Product Manager

Norix designs, manufactures and delivers innovative, robust furniture that meets the real-world need for humanizing challenging environments. We have an exciting opportunity for a Product Mgr in our LEED Gold facility in West Chicago!

Essential Functions:

• Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously across both Norix and Tonik brands, navigating projects at varying stages of development with a clear understanding of distinct market needs, customer profiles, and competitive dynamics for each brand.
• Identify and develop product opportunities in emerging and growth markets, with a focus on closing market gaps and building a pipeline that supports long-term revenue goals.
• Create and execute detailed product briefs for all new products and line extensions, including estimated costing, return on investment, product positioning, key selling points, competitive landscape, and project timelines; maintain and update briefs throughout the entire development cycle.
• Gather market intelligence and customer feedback by collaborating with the Market Insights & Design Specialist, Sales Reps, and customers to validate new product concepts and prototypes.
• Lead the Cross-Functional Team through the development process, introducing approved concepts, establishing timelines, setting clear expectations, and holding the team accountable to deadlines.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to translate new products into compelling sales support materials, including brochures, spec sheets, and marketing collateral for print and digital efforts.
• Manage product categories across the full lifecycle, identifying opportunities for line extensions, flagging mature products for repositioning, and recommending discontinuations based on sales data and market relevance.
• Review margin reports and product profitability on an ongoing basis; conduct SKU-level cost impact analysis in response to supplier pricing changes and make recommendations on pricing adjustments or product drops supported by sales history and profitability data.
• Manage the Special Make-Up (SMU) process from request through delivery, including scoping, pricing, timeline management, and cross-functional coordination with engineering and customer care.
• Develop and deliver product training for sales and customer care teams on new and existing products, ensuring the field is equipped to sell and support effectively.
• Prepare and present product updates and launch presentations to the sales team, customers, and executive leadership as needed.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, each at different stages of development, without losing attention to detail or missing deadlines.
• Exceptionally organized and detail-oriented, with strong follow-through and the ability to hold others accountable to timelines and deliverables.
• Deep understanding of end-to-end product development processes in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data, margin reports, and market research to drive sound product decisions.
• Self-starter who takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward without waiting to be directed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively up, down, and across the organization, from factory floor to executive team.
• Ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities, timelines, and market conditions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office;
• Ability to adhere to the company's attendance policy, including regular and punctual attendance.

    Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing or Design
• 5+ years working experience in leading product management efforts in a manufacturing environment. Contract furniture industry experience preferred.

Benefits include:

• Base pay plus annual bonus opportunity up to 10% based on achievement of company goals.

• Paid Time Off

• Paid Holidays

• BCBS medical

• Company-paid dental insurance (for employees)

• Company-paid disability & life insurance

• FSA, vision, accident & ID theft insurance

• 401(k) with competitive company match

• Tuition reimbursement 

• Employee Assistance Plan

• Social events & casual dress code

• Beautiful campus with electric car charging stations, walking trails, pickleball court, soccer field & fitness rm.