Assistant Product Manager

Position Objective:

The BWCC Product and Applications Specialist will understand the in-market portfolio for all Bradford White Canada brands, including water heaters, LAARS, Niles, Keltech, Electro Industries, HeatFlo, and future acquisitions. This role ensures technical specifications and application requirements meet Canadian codes and standards and supports sales and customer service with product recommendations and solutions.

The Assistant Product Manager also supports the development and launch of new products from concept through release, working with warehouse, pricing, customer service, training, and sales teams to ensure availability and efficiency.

The role serves as a key link between the Canadian office and manufacturing plants, helping develop strategies for stock, service, warranty, and related operational issues.

Reporting Structure:

The Assistant Product Manager reports to the Canadian National Marketing Manager, with a dotted line to the Product Manager in Ambler and other units.

Personal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with customers and sales to anticipate industry shifts in codes and regulations.
• Setting up new product codes that are relevant to Canada.
• Identify products and service parts applicable to the Canadian market.
• Review product specifications and performance to provide accurate support.
• Provide internal and external sales support with regards to product cross referencing, sizing, etc.
• Coordinate solutions for discontinued products and recalls.
• Assign and organize product codes for commissioning and sales when new products are proposed.
• Deliver product training in-house and at partner locations.
• Conduct product market research by visiting representatives, wholesalers, customers, and prospects as needed.
• Prepare competitor analyses, including product features, pricing, and positioning.
• Understand national, local, and safety codes for water heaters and installations; assist Marketing with training materials for internal and external customers.
• Coordinate with internal and external marketing resources on product advertising materials, including web and print.
• Use customer feedback and reviews to identify product improvements and opportunities.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of available products to best serve customers and maximize sales potential.
• Provide technical support to marketing, sales, and customer service to identify needs, recommend solutions, and overcome objections.
• Work effectively in a self-directed environment, managing day-to-day operations and decisions.
• Attend trade shows and associations meetings as required.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree or postsecondary education preferred.
• Apprenticeship or certification in HVAC/R, plumbing, mechanical engineering technology, building systems, or related field preferred.
• Experience with water heating, HVAC, plumbing, hydronic, gas-fired, or mechanical systems preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, installation manuals, and product literature.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in product management and product marketing.
• Ability to engage sales, customer service, and customers to exchange application-critical data and information.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Proficiency with MS Office tools.

Working Conditions

• Typically works in a general office environment.
• Occasional customer visits, trade shows, sales meetings, factory strategy meetings, and related events.
• Limited visits to industrial areas that may involve exposure to heat, noise, and large equipment.
• Limited travel: 20%.

Physical effort to perform the job.

• Able to lift 23 kg (50 lbs).

Direct Reports

• N/A