The Business Unit Manager will manage the assigned Product Line, developing and managing the product line’s business plan. The responsibilities of the Business Unit Manager include increasing the profitability of existing products and developing new products for the company. The Business Unit Manager utilizes existing ideas to assist in the development of new ideas based on industry experience and contacts with current and potential customers. The Business Unit Manager must possess business and technical skills, the ability to visualize strategic and long-term objectives, and the drive to make that vision a reality. They must enjoy spending time in the market to understand its problems and actively engage in innovative problem-solving activities. The Business Unit Manager must be able to communicate with all areas of the company and will serve as the internal and external liaison for the assigned product line. The Business Unit Manager directs the Product Line in its daily activities while frequently working with sales and key accounts.
Manages the entire product line from strategic planning to tactical activities. Develops the product line by identifying potential products, conducting market research, generating product requirements, determining specifications, developing production timetables, evaluating pricing structures to achieve the product line’s financial objectives, creating and implementing time-integrated plans for product introduction, and developing marketing strategies.
Essential Job Functions
- Prepares short-term and long-term product sales forecasts and special reports and analyses; answering questions and requests.
- Manages Product Line staff including counseling and disciplining employees; planning, monitoring, and appraising job performance.
- Determines customers' needs by specifying the research needed to obtain market information, developing and implementing systems to obtain research, and analyzing the outcomes.
- Facilitates inventory turnover and product availability by reviewing and adjusting inventory levels and production schedules in order to meet the business unit objectives.
- Recommends future product offerings by reviewing current product specifications and requirements, and evaluating market trends; appraising new product ideas and/or product or packaging changes.
- Assesses product market data by calling on customers with field salespeople and evaluating sales call results.
- Obtains product market share by working with sales to develop product sales strategies.
- Provides source data for product line communications by defining product marketing communication objectives.
- Assesses market competition by comparing the company's product to competitors' products.
- Introduces and markets new products by developing time-integrated plans with sales, advertising, and production.
- Completes operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees; following up on work results.
- Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related tasks as needed.
- Maintains Product Line staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees.
- Determines product pricing by utilizing market research data, reviewing production and sales costs, anticipating volume, and costing special and customized orders.
- Brings new products to market by analyzing proposed product requirements and product development programs, by preparing return-on-investment analyses, and establishing time schedules with engineering and manufacturing.
- Work closely with the General Manager ensuring the alignment of the Product Line and Paul Mueller Company objectives. This position is to assist in the protection and promotion of the interests of the Paul Mueller Company as a whole.
- Regular, in-person attendance due to necessary teamwork and personal interactive nature of this position.
- Position requires travel up to 20% with possible international travel. Actual travel time will depend on the needs of the product line and what is required to meet the business plan objectives.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (Competencies)
- Must be committed to the company business goals.
- Must be an excellent representative of the Paul Mueller Company.
- Must present a strong professional image to our customers both externally as well as internally.
- Must have strong people skills combined with a mechanical aptitude that will allow for effective communication of the product to our customers.
- Must be a self-starter, goal-oriented person who will aggressively pursue opportunities.
- Must have excellent communication skills both orally and written.
- Must be a team player willing to work hard for the common good and maximum profitability of Mueller.
- Must be proficient in the use of all business management tools (i.e. laptop computers, PowerPoint presentations, etc.).
- Must be proficient in terms and conditions review, clarification, and negotiation.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with background in Thermodynamics desired. A minimum of three years related experience is required for this position.
Base Compensation Range : $117,251 - $200,562 annually
Variable Compensation Range : Incentive bonus eligibility up to 10% of gross annual salary based on company performance (as of 2024).
Health and Ancillary Benefit Overview :
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance with low employee premiums
- Free off-site medical clinic
- Company paid Life Insurance & Short-Term Disability
- 401k - Employer match of up to 4.0% for coworker contributions of 8.0% or more
- Company covers tuition costs up to $5,250.00 annually, contingent on course completion and grades
- Paid Time Off and Sick, Family & Parental Paid Time Off
- Ten (10) Paid Holidays
- Four-day work weeks, varied shifts, and flexible remote work options depending on position
- Career progression program for advancement
- Free in-house welding, grinding & machine operation school
- In-house training program
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Exposure to conditions, such as: dust, fumes, noise and high-degree varying seasonal temperatures. Machinery with energy sources including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or other energy. All types of travel.