Senior Manager, Product and Market Development

Knauf North America is the worlds fastest-growing insulation manufacturer. We are wholly committed to the conservation of the environment while also sustainably developing and manufacturing a comprehensive line of acoustical fiberglass insulation for residential, commercial, industrial, marine, OEM and metal building applications, using post-consumer recycled materials.

We welcome passionate and creative individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial, collaborative and ever-changing environment.

Our benefits go beyond just providing coverage.

We’re committed to the whole you – your health, wealth, peace of mind, self and community.

Our benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision – starting on day one!

• Virtual Medical Services

• Fertility and adoption benefits

• 401(k) Retirement Plan (earn 100% matching on your first 6% contribution and fully vested day one)

• Paid parental leave

• Paid family leave

• Company provided Salary Continuance (Short- term Disability)

• Company paid life insurance

• Paid Holidays

• Vacation

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Plus, more!

Growth opportunities available!

Apply online or contact us to hear why our employees appreciate being part of the Knauf family!

About the Role:

The Building Systems Solutions Product and Market Development Manager will be responsible for building a $75 million dollar business leveraging proven building science principles and offering a portfolio of solutions, products, technology, and application training and education resources. This role will drive growth in a high margin adjacent business while protecting and growing Knauf’s core glass wool business.

*The position level may be adjusted based on the candidate’s knowledge, skill, and experience.

What Youll Do:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Air Sealing Solution

• Define Air Sealing Solution strategy and vision: Establish a clear vision and strategic roadmap aligned to our “Knauf Air Seals and Insulates” thesis.

• Market and Customer Research: Analyze market trends, customer needs, competitive dynamics and growth opportunities.

  • Assess demand and market potential, including replacement risks and the serviceable available market.

  • Map the air, water, and vapor sealant and membrane value chains, including target geographies, routes to market, strategic fit, customers, and end users.

  • Develop a deep understanding of the needs of customers, influencers, and end users through primary and secondary research.

  • Collect, evaluate, and manage ideas from internal stakeholders, business leaders, customers and end users.

  • Develop product specifications, installation best practices, and value selling guides that apply building science expertise to practical, effective air sealing solutions.

  • Monitor market developments and maintain competitive analysis, including SWOT assessments.

• Lead product development and execution

  • Collaborate with product development and innovation teams to deliver successful launches aligned with the product strategy.

  • Build a portfolio of internal and external building envelope air sealing solutions, including related products, tools, equipment, training and education.

  • Evaluate product line extensions and enhancements that strengthen the value proposition of existing solutions such as EcoSeal+.

  • Establish performance threshold metrics aligned with current and future energy codes and retrofit market expectations.

  • Translate product strategy into detailed product requirements, concepts, and prototypes.

• Measure performance and optimize the portfolio

  • Define KPI’s, product development investments, and OPEX investment required for launch and to achieve target market penetration.

  • Own the execution strategy, directing marketing, field and inside sales activities, and academy support while establishing and tracking milestones and success measures.

  • Track product performance and use market data, customer feedback and business insights to optimize the portfolio.

  • Manage critical linkages with the Front end and Product innovation process, Product Management, Product Development Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, S&OP, Sales Administration, Finance, and Strategy and Business Development.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

  • Engage executives, sales teams and cross-functional stakeholders to align product initiatives with business priorities.

• Develop go-to-market strategies.

  • Create launch plans, pricing strategies, positioning and commercial plans that maximize adoption, revenue growth, and profitability.

Air, Water, and Vapor Management Solutions

• Lead the assembly for resale strategy for a portfolio of accessories and tools that support the proper building science-based application of air, water, and vapor management systems.

  • Conduct market and customer research.

  • Select products and develop supplier and partnership relationships.

  • Manage product performance, portfolio optimization, and continuous improvement.

  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

  • Develop go-to-market strategies, including launch plans, pricing, and positioning

  • Establish and deliver internal and external training, education, and certification programs.

Insulation Fabrication, Installation Tools, and Equipment Solutions

• Lead the assembly for resales strategy for value added fabrication, installation tools, and equipment solutions supporting Knauf’s insulation materials and accessories business.

  • Conduct market and customer research.

  • Select products and develop supplier and partnership relationships.

  • Manage product performance, portfolio optimization, and continuous improvement.

  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

  • Develop go-to-market strategies, including launch plans, pricing, and positioning

  • Establish and deliver internal and external training, education, and certification programs.

What Youll Need:

• Understand market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive dynamics

• Identify opportunities and threats in the marketplace

Strategic Thinking

• Navigate complex business environments and create strategies to reach company goals

• Envision future scenarios, evaluate competitive advantages, and make decisions that align with the company’s overall objectives

• Prioritize and adapt to meet goals and execute strategic action plans

• Develop practical solutions to solve complex problems

• Handle unexpected or challenging situations in an effective way

• Determine the source of an issue and come to a viable solution

Analytical Thinking

• Gather, collect, and analyze data and form connections and make decisions

• See problems or scenarios from different perspectives to better devise strategies to deal with these situations or issues

• Guide team, making pivotal decisions, and fostering a productive work environment

• Inspire and motivate employees, improve team performance, and ensure alignment with the company’s vision and values

• Lead change by creating plans, managing resistance, and communicating the need for change

Effective Communication

• Articulate ideas, collaborate with stakeholders, and facilitate clear and concise exchanges of information

• Build relationships, manage conflicts, and ensure that all team members are aligned with the business’s goals