Technical Application Manager

HARTING stands for strong connections – across the globe. As one of the leading international suppliers of industrial connectivity, we are connecting customers to their digital future. And as an employer? We connect around 6,000 people at our headquarter in Espelkamp and at locations worldwide. Here you’ll find great colleagues, as well as ever new opportunities and innovations revolving around IoT and artificial intelligence.

In everything we do, we remain true to our roots: as a regionally connected family business that always stays firmly grounded in spite of our stellar high‑tech. Here’s to your unique future with us:
Yours!

We are seeking a Technical Application Manager in our Product Management Dept. in Elgin, IL. This is a customer‑facing technical and commercial role responsible for supporting, positioning, and growing assigned HARTING product lines. Serving as the primary expert for complex technical and application‑specific topics on assigned product lines, this role partners closely with sales teams, customers, and global subsidiaries to develop differentiated solutions that drive customer adoption.

The position owns the full product lifecycle—including product optimizations, line extensions, and discontinuations—while delivering revenue growth and margin performance. Working cross‑functionally with Product Development, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, and Finance, the Technical Application Manager drives product modifications, monitors cost trends, leads cost improvement initiatives, supports product development projects, and enables sales effectiveness through value‑based positioning, market and competitor analysis, and internal product training.

• Develop customer value propositions that clearly differentiate HARTING solutions from competitor offerings
• Partner with sales teams and customers to define requirements for product modifications that meet application needs and drive adoption
• Lead and manage product modifications in collaboration with Product Development, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, and Finance
• Serve as the primary technical resource for complex technical and application‑specific inquiries from sales and customers
• Manage the full product lifecycle, including product optimizations, line extensions, and discontinuations
• Achieve revenue and margin targets for assigned product lines
• Monitor manufacturing cost trends and initiate corrective actions as required
• Proactively identify and drive cost improvement opportunities
• Conduct market and competitor analysis for assigned product lines
• Deliver internal product training to sales and commercial teams

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from a four‑year college or university in an engineering discipline, preferably electrical or mechanical
• 4‑8+ years of relevant professional experience
• Proficiency with Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office applications, including presentation software
• Strong analytical and conceptual problem‑solving skills
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally
• Valid passport required for periodic international travel

Compensation:

• Competitive base salary: $90,000 - $120,000 (commensurate with experience, subject to change dependent on physical location).
• Eligible for a 15% discretionary annual bonus.
• 21 days PTO to start – quickly earn more PTO as you stick with us (36 days max).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance – several Blue Cross Blue Shield plan optionsí to choose from.
• Company‑sponsored life, AD&DD, and short‑ and long‑term disability – at no cost to employee.
• Paid parental leave, tuition and fitness reimbursement, and a hybrid working policy.
• 401(k) with a 4% dollar‑for‑dollar match – fully vested upon eligibility!

Benefits:

• Be a key player
• Competitive compensation
• Continuing Education Tuition Reimbursement
• Give back
• Have fun
• Lead a Healthy Life
• Onsite Café
• Take time off