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Lead, Product Manager

Reference #24557

Waterdown, Ontario

About L3HARRIS WESCAM

As a subsidiary of L3Harris Technologies and within the Integrated Mission Systems Segment, the WESCAM division develops the most advanced optical sensor and targeting systems for global defense and military sectors, National Security, Search & Rescue and Airborne law enforcement agencies. From long-range covert surveillance missions to search and rescue operations, our MX-series systems, and the mission systems solutions they are a part of, produce stabilized high-magnification electro-optical and infrared images from airborne, marine and ground based platforms, enabling our customers to see first and act first.

About the Role

We are looking for a talented individual to join our Product Line Management team located in Waterdown, ON.  The Lead, Product Manager is responsible for managing the cost and schedule requirements of a product line offering through all phases from proposal to distribution. Analyzes and designs technical product enhancements, integrating the work of engineering, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and service functions for new product offerings. Plans, prepares, and presents product introduction strategies. Provides product consultation during the design stage. Participates in the marketing, forecasting and financial aspects of the product offering. Provides strategic technical consultation to field personnel and customers during the early life cycle of new product offerings. Manages offering through each phase of the IRAD Checkpoint process. The role will be on-site and requires international travel.

This motivated, self-starter should have experience developing complex new products in a product management or project management role. The successful candidate must have a “can do” attitude, and possess creative problem-solving skills. This candidate must be highly organized with the ability to multi task, while maintaining attention to details.  Excellent interpersonal skills are also critical to success in this position.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Lead the planning, delivery, and support of a WESCAM product line(s) through the entire product lifecycle; act as SME and point-of-contact for internal stakeholders
• Responsible for achieving yearly Product Line AOP revenue and profit target
• Responsible for financial health of product; analyze factors impacting contribution margin, then identify and drive changes to maximize CM
• Define Pricebook product configurations and options
• Approve scope of work, budget, and timeline for IRAD and Sustaining projects related to their product line
  • Generate NPI Project SOW with top level requirements
  • Work cross-functionally to drive on-time completion
  • Review and approve budget variance and scope of work changes
  • Consult to help make key decisions and solve difficult problems
• Develop and manage plans for market introduction and production cut-in of new products/features
• Develop and manage plans for SKU rationalization, end-of-life, and supersession of current products/features
• Engage and align stakeholders; communicate product lifecycle plans; adjust based on inputs and changing conditions
• Provide technical sales support to BD when needed to capture new business
  • Support major bids by developing/reviewing the proposed technical solution, technical write-up, and compliance matrix
  • Lead discussions on technical topics during internal bid reviews and customer briefings
  • Identify risks and opportunities, and provide mitigation strategies
• Approve bids that include exceptions from the Pricebook
• Review and approve NRE estimates for bids that require custom development
• Create technical white papers to explain new technologies, support export, or respond to customer inquiries
• Train Business Development staff on new product features
• Provide inputs to and approval of marketing collateral
• Identify need and provide justification to acquire new Demo assets

Required Capabilities 

• Strategic planning to align product line objectives with the overall business strategy, considering factors such as market trends, competitive landscape, and long-term goals.
• Customer focused approach, intent on understanding customer needs and preferences to maximize the product’s value proposition and achieve customer satisfaction.
• Solid understanding of business case fundamentals, including cost structures, revenue forecasts, profit margins, and metrics such as return on investment (ROI) and net present value (NPV).
• Analytical skills to assess the performance of product strategies and initiatives to make data-driven decisions using financial metrics, market research, and other relevant data.
• Able to assess and manage risks across a wide spectrum while making product decisions under uncertain conditions.
• Innovation mindset and keeps up-to-date with technology trends relevant to the product line.
• Proven track record of overseeing product introductions from concept through to successful production launch, utilizing agile development processes.
• Ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams without formal management role.
• History of establishing strong relationships with leaders across the organization to get things done.
• Able to communicate effectively and concisely
• Excellent presentation skills to conduct technical product briefings to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Exceptional time management skills with ability to handle multiple tasks and effectively balance priorities.     
• Familiar with Configuration Management practices, non-conformance management/closure, failure investigations/corrective action closure.
• In-depth knowledge of the EOIR market and products, aerospace industry, and regulations.
• Technical knowledge of the following:
  • Design of products to be used on aircraft, maritime or ground vehicles  
  • IR and EO sensor technology and optical design 
  • Laser illuminators, rangefinders, and designators  
  • Digital video standards  
  • Verification testing to military and aerospace standards  

Desired Education and Experiences 

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
• Engineering or Business degree preferred. MBA an asset.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification desired
• 7+ years of experience developing high-complexity products in a manufacturing environment, preferably in the aerospace or defense industry
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary product development project teams

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At L3Harris, we foster an inclusive and equitable workplace. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. For applicants with disabilities, we will provide you with accommodation so that you have what you need in order to be at your best.

L3Harris performs background checks prior to employment as all applicants must be eligible for registration with the Controlled Goods Program and obtain and maintain a positive security assessment. Some positions may require a government of Canada “Reliability” status and/or Level 2 (Secret) security clearance. In addition, L3Harris performs pre-employment substance abuse testing where required.