Introduction
History and Vision
TAFCO Corporation offers high-quality builder-grade windows and patio doors through national home improvement retail chains and online channels. With over 70 years of experience in manufacturing and supplying industry leading products, we have recently invested in expanding production in the U.S. to improve margins, lead time and quality.
The President of TAFCO is a second-generation owner and has been at the helm for over 38 years. He is dedicated to expanding the business with a commitment to delivering superior quality products at the most affordable prices, all while upholding the highest standards. As we work towards our strategic goals, we are building a world-class leadership team to support our growth and guide our future initiatives.
Opportunity for a Product Manager
TAFCO is on the lookout for a highly creative and driven individual to fill the role of Product Manager. This person will act as the product leader, overseeing the development and implementation of new products and product lines. You will leverage your expertise in business strategy, product design, and manufacturing to ensure products align with the company’s business objectives, improving quality, production efficiency, and sales margins. You will collaborate closely with the President and COO to help identify product improvements and enhance the customer experience as we embark on our next phase of growth.
The Position
Title – Product Manager
Location – Bensenville, IL (On-site 100%)
Reporting to – TAFCO President, with dotted line coordination to Chief Operations Officer
The Product Manager is tasked with the entire product lifecycle from concept, design, prototype, launch, support, obsolescence. Comprehensive responsibility for packaging, branding, documentation, etc. As well as the physical product. You will create strategies to design new products and improve existing products based on market research and consumer feedback. You will work closely with the development teams and sales and marketing departments. You may also collaborate with the engineering teams to add new product features or optimize production as needed.
Core Responsibilities
The Product Manager will manage all aspects of a product, from driving new product development to manufacturing to marketing. You will combine high-level strategic thinking with sleeves-rolled-up ownership, directly influencing revenue growth and margin expansion while building the product management function from the ground up.
Manage New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Create and NPI through all stages, from concept through production and launch.
- Manage products through the entire lifecycle, including supporting hundreds of existing products.
- Author product requirements with specifications and performance criteria
- Test prototypes and pilot runs, working closely with production on bill of materials and production planning
Product Strategy & Roadmap
- Define the product vision and long-term roadmap for window product lines.
- Identify market opportunities, emerging trends, and customer needs.
- Determine which products, features, and innovations should be prioritized.
Market & Customer Research
- Gather feedback from builders, architects, dealers and distributors.
- Analyze competitor offerings, pricing, and market positioning.
- Monitor trends such as:
- Energy efficiency
- Building code changes
Manufacturing & Operations Collaboration
- Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure products can be produced efficiently.
- Help resolve quality or production issues affecting products.
Product Portfolio Management
- Manage existing window lines, including:
- Vinyl windows
- Aluminum windows
- Wood windows
- Decide when to update, expand, or discontinue products.
- Analyze profitability and lifecycle performance.
Go-to-Market & Sales Support
- Support product launches.
- Create product positioning and messaging.
- Develop product documentation and marketing materials.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Track customer complaints and warranty claims.
- Identify opportunities to improve performance, durability, and customer satisfaction.
Key Qualifications
Qualifications Required
- 3 - 5 years of experience in product development or design for physical/manufactured products or demonstrated experience over a longer time frame across other business functions that are directly related to the core responsibilities of this position (e.g. Project Marketing, Operations).
- Proven track record of successfully launching physical products from concept through production handoff
- Understanding of manufacturing processes and their design implications
- Strong technical fluency, able to engage engineers, suppliers and customers with credibility
- Experience managing processes and cross-functional project teams and influencing at all levels
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Platform including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, CAD tools, ad-hoc reporting tools and project management software
- Previous experience with window companies, mechanical or electric contracting.
Desired Qualifications
- Previous experience with research to identify market gaps, particularly in energy-efficient or high-performance window categories
- Experience managing product’s profit and loss, including forecasting and achieving profitable growth when developing new products to launch
Education
- Undergraduate Degree in product design, engineering, business, marketing or a related field
Pay: $100,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
