Product Manager, Engines

Reports To: Sr. Director, Vendor Relations and OEM Sales

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Columbus, OH (Hybrid) or Greensboro, NC (Hybrid)

Position Summary:

The Product Manager leads strategy, execution, and performance management for Gardner’s engine product portfolio. This role develops product line plans, manages vendor relationships, supports category marketing, and partners cross-functionally to drive profitable growth.

The Product Manager must have a strong understanding of pricing, cost, margins, inventory planning, competitive positioning, and product line profitability while serving as a trusted resource for customers, dealers, sales teams, and internal departments.

Job Role/Responsibilities:

Product Expertise & Portfolio Management

· Serve as Gardner’s subject matter expert for the Rehlko small gasoline engine product line.

· Maintain strong knowledge of engine specifications, applications, emissions requirements, accessories, and competitive offerings.

· Manage product pricing, positioning, lifecycle planning, profitability, and portfolio growth.

· Lead product launches, transitions, discontinuations, training materials, and sales tools.

OEM & Dealers & Technical Support

· Partner with OEM Account Managers to identify engine placement opportunities and support customer visits, demonstrations, and technical discussions.

· Collaborate with Technical Team to evaluate customer applications, recommend appropriate Rehlko engine solutions, and support prototype testing and validation.

· Coordinate with Rehlko engineering and product management to resolve technical issues and application questions.

· Support Gardner’s independent dealer network through product training, technical assistance, application support, and program promotion.

· Identify repower opportunities where Rehlko engines can replace competitive products.

· Develop cross-reference guides, repower recommendations, competitive strategies, and dealer sales tools.

Business Planning & Market Development

· Develop annual product line strategies, growth plans, product roadmaps, and market expansion initiatives.

· Identify portfolio gaps, recommend new products, and evaluate emerging technologies, alternative fuels, electrification, and competitive trends.

· Lead annual business planning with Rehlko and identify joint growth opportunities.

Financial, Inventory & Supply Chain Management

· Own revenue, margin, growth objectives, forecasts, pricing actions, and product line performance tracking.

· Partner with supply chain and Rehlko to forecast demand, optimize inventory, monitor backlog and fill rates, and support allocation decisions.

Marketing, CRM & Sales Analytics

· Develop go-to-market strategies, launch plans, messaging, value propositions, promotions, and digital lead-generation support.

· Maintain pipeline visibility, track competitive conversions and repower opportunities, analyze sales trends and market share, and use CRM tools to identify growth opportunities.

· Participate in trade shows, customer events, and regular business reviews with Rehlko.

Communication & Execution

· Communicate technical and commercial information clearly to customers, dealers, engineers, sales teams, and internal departments.

· Manage multiple priorities and projects independently while applying strong analytical, communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills.

· Maintain an entrepreneurial mindset, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Education and Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, supply chain, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.

· Minimum of five years of industry experience in distribution, technical sales, supplier management and negotiations, business development, product management, marketing, merchandising, or related functions required.

· Experience supporting OEM customers or distributor/dealer networks preferred.

· Ability to manage cross-functional initiatives required.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office required; strong mechanical and technical aptitude preferred.

Other Requirements:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to travel up to 25% of the time may be required

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person