Z-LASER GmbH is part of Exaktera, a Union Park portfolio company focused on manufacturing critical lighting solutions for OEMs where lighting is critical to defining performance and ensuring business-critical operations. As a large-scale manufacturer of positioning and machine vision lasers, Z-LASER offers core technologies that support a wide range of industrial automation tasks. Exaktera's premium brands (Advanced Illumination, AutoVimation, iiM, ProPhotonix, and Z-LASER) are used in a variety of applications and end markets to meet the growing demand for industrial automation and improve quality, efficiency, productivity, and safety. We currently have locations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and the United States.

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Global Product Manager who will take responsibility for our standard product portfolio in the field of laser technology, define our value proposition, and drive the market launch strategy. The Product Manager is responsible for shaping the global product strategy, managing the product life cycle, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure successful product development and market launch. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, preferably in laser technology, combined with a keen understanding of business and commerce and excellent leadership skills. The position is based in Freiburg and requires approximately 20% international travel.

Main tasks

• Responsibility for the product life cycle, from concept to global market launch plans, including implementation of rationalization strategies for positioning the laser product portfolio.
• Management of product performance to ensure that sales, profitability, and growth targets are met or exceeded. (P&L responsibility).
• Develop and implement the product strategy and roadmap to enable long-term growth and sustainable success of the product line.
• Independently conduct VOCs (Voice of Customer), market research, and analyses (including Mekkos) to identify market size, growth rates, drivers, and emerging opportunities in the laser industry.
• Conduct VOCs to identify customer needs and segments, derive value propositions, and develop product positioning and messaging.
• Translate user requirements into technical specifications and work closely with development and cross-functional teams throughout product development and improvement.
• Responsible for implementing all central marketing measures for new products, including the development of effective pricing strategies and comprehensive go-to-market plans.
• Actively support the global marketing and sales organization by creating marketing materials, sales tools, and training programs.
• Lead and manage customer-focused activities together with the sales team, e.g., customer surveys (VOCs), product performance metrics, market feedback, and customer satisfaction to identify optimization potential.
• Responsible for creating business cases to justify investment decisions.
• Monitoring new market, application, and technology trends in the field of laser technology.

Requirements

• Degree in engineering, physics, business administration, or a related field; MBA or comparable degree is an advantage
• At least 8 years of experience in product management, ideally in the laser industry or a related technology field.
• In-depth technical understanding of the principles and applications of laser technology.
• Proven track record in managing product lifecycles from conception to commercialization.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
• Strategic thinking and strong analytical skills to analyze/identify opportunities and develop actionable growth plans.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Hands-on approach with a strong go-to-guy mentality.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on revenue growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Fluent in English and German.

Benefits

• Dynamic, international working environment with flat hierarchies, agile teams, and creative freedom.
• The Exaktera team always gives its best, and we want to give something back: we offer benefits such as JobRad, Hansefit, and private pension plans.
• In addition, we offer free fruit, water, and a well-connected office with a fantastic roof terrace.
• Location advantage: live and work in Freiburg—Germany's sunniest city on the edge of the Black Forest.

Bereitgestellt in Kooperation mit der Bundesagentur für Arbeit.