Product Manager - Construction Chemicals (Paints & Coatings) - ChemMasters

This position is for Specialty Chemicals - Paints & Coatings*

Product Manager – ChemMasters

Primary Location: Madison Ohio

Reports to: Vice President

This is a full time office position. This position is not eligible for relocation assistance by ChemMasters

Position Overview:

The Product Manager will be responsible for managing each stage of the product lifecycle for construction coatings, industrial paints, and curing and sealing compounds. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, market insight, and customer-centric thinking to drive product success. The ideal candidate will act as a bridge between R&D, production, sales, and customers, ensuring products are technically sound, commercially viable, and aligned with customer needs. This position emphasizes a collaborative, solution-oriented approach to product development and commercialization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Product Lifecycle Management:
• Oversee the entire product lifecycle from concept through development, launch, and post-launch phases.
• Ensure product alignment with market trends, customer needs, and regulatory standards.
• Work closely with R&D teams to ensure technical specifications meet performance requirements for industrial and construction environments.
• Manage product documentation, including safety data sheets (SDS), technical data sheets, and application guidelines.

• Customer-Centric Approach:
• Serve as the voice of the customer, gathering feedback and insights to shape product features and performance improvements.
• Conduct market research to identify unmet needs, competitive positioning, and opportunities for innovation.
• Partner with the sales team to provide technical support and ensure product solutions meet the demands of end-users and contractors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, distributors, and industry stakeholders.

• Technical and Commercial Expertise:
• Provide technical expertise on the formulation, application, and performance of coatings, paints, and sealing compounds.
• Collaborate with purchasing, sourcing, and production teams to ensure raw material selection and manufacturing processes are optimized for cost and quality.
• Ensure products meet or exceed industry standards, including ASTM, AASHTO, and other relevant certifications.

• Collaboration and Cross-Functional Leadership:
• Work closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, quality assurance, production, marketing, and sales to drive product success.
• Act as a key point of contact between internal teams and external partners, ensuring smooth communication and project execution.
• Lead product training and knowledge-sharing initiatives for internal teams and customers, ensuring product understanding and proper application techniques.

• Strategic Growth and Innovation:
• Identify and drive new product development opportunities based on customer needs and market gaps.
• Support business development efforts with product knowledge, technical input, and competitive analysis.
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and competitor products to ensure our offerings remain competitive and innovative.

• Sales and Marketing Support:
• Collaborate with marketing teams to develop product positioning, promotional materials, and technical content.
• Provide sales teams with technical information, product training, and customer presentations to support new business and customer retention.
• Attend industry trade shows, conferences, and events to represent the company and promote products.

Qualifications:

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. Master’s degree or an MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in product management, preferably within construction coatings, industrial paints, specialty chemicals, or related chemical industries.
• Strong technical understanding of coatings formulations, applications, and performance requirements.
• Proven track record in managing cross-functional teams and driving product success from concept to commercialization.
• Customer-focused with excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Key Competencies:

• Collaborative Leadership
• Customer-Centric Mindset
• Technical Expertise
• Strong Commercial Acumen
• Strategic Thinking
• Cross-Functional Teamwork

This role offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic, innovative environment where you can make a significant impact on both the technical and commercial success of our construction coatings, industrial paints, and curing and sealing compounds product lines.

About ChemMasters:

ChemMasters is a family company that has been in business for over 60 years, producing a wide range of quality construction materials. We strive to be on the leading edge of construction material technology and design. At ChemMasters we value a cooperative and respectful work culture to promote effective teamwork at every level of the company.