Klein Tools is a company focused on quality and innovation in product development. They are seeking a Technical Associate Product Manager to assist in executing product-oriented plans and managing tactical execution details on assigned product categories, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategy and financial goals.
Responsibilities
- Assist Product Managers and Directors with short- and long-term product planning, with an emphasis on technically complex products and solutions
- Execute plans for assigned product categories or projects, including special promotions, new product introductions, forecasting, and other relevant activities; accountable for achieving financial objectives for assigned products or projects
- Provide detailed analysis of the competitive landscape, current product offerings, customer needs, sales trends, and technical differentiators, along with clear, data-driven recommendations
- Support Product Managers or Directors in identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing opportunities for product improvements, product line extensions, new markets, improved merchandising, promotions, and other growth initiatives, with a focus on technical feasibility and value creation
- Support assigned products and projects by overseeing and executing product launches, product modifications, and promotional activities, ensuring technical accuracy and readiness
- Demonstrate leadership when working with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain
- Drive effective communication and collaboration across the organization and foster strong working relationships
- Maintain close connection to the market through interaction with sales teams, distributors, and end users via multiple channels
- Spend approximately 15% of time in the field, documenting how time is spent learning about customer workflows, technical requirements, and unmet needs
- Develop and maintain a strong understanding of product functionality, applications, specifications, pricing, packaging, and merchandising
- Serve as a technical product resource to other areas of the company as needed
- Perform all other duties as assigned
Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a closely related technical discipline (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or similar) is required
- Demonstrated ability to understand and communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to project manage multiple tasks effectively
- Ability to understand and perform basic mathematics and financial calculations
- Must have strong communications skills, verbal and written
- This includes basic PC/Internet skills such as E-mail, Word, PowerPoint and Excel
- Experience in consumer goods (durable preferred) distribution through Retail or Commercial channels is desired, but not required
Benefits
- Paid Vacations & Holidays
- Profit Sharing & Matching 401(k)
- Health Insurance (Medical, Vision, & Dental)
- Discounts on Klein Tools products
- Education and Professional Development Assistance
Company Overview
- Klein Tools is a manufacturer of the hand tools. It was founded in 1857, and is headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is https://www.kleintools.com/.
Company H1B Sponsorship
- Klein Tools has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 3 in 2025, 1 in 2023, 2 in 2021, 1 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.