Product Line Manager

Powell Industries, a leading Houston-based manufacturer of custom-engineered electrical power distribution and control equipment, is seeking a strategic and innovative Product Line Manager to own and drive the growth of our ANSI AC Circuit Breakers and Switchgear product line. This high-visibility role encompasses medium-voltage metal-clad and metal-enclosed switch gear, low-voltage switch gear and switchboards, motor control centers, and AC circuit breakers—critical solutions powering industries such as oil & gas, utilities, petrochemicals, renewables, and more.

• Conduct comprehensive market situational analysis, including market scope/size, segmentation, customer demographics, industry trends, growth rates, standards, new product activity, and competitive landscape.
• Collaborate with divisions and customers to define and execute 3-year product and technology roadmaps that drive innovation, margin enhancement, and revenue growth.
• Develop business strategies, competitive positioning, and core product values to ensure Powell maintains a differentiated, sustainable competitive advantage.
• Assess customer/end-user needs and market opportunities through qualitative/quantitative research and feasibility studies to identify new products and enhancements.
• Create detailed new product specifications and robust business cases to support development initiatives.
• Lead or influence cross-functional teams (R&D, engineering, manufacturing, etc.) to deliver projects on cost, speed, capital, and quality targets.
• Own the full new product launch process, including internal/external communication, marketing strategies, awareness-building, and revenue achievement.
• Maintain a strong pipeline of potential acquisition targets to support product line and business strategies.
• Provide competitive insights and recommendations on pricing, new introductions, specifications, and positioning; stay close to customers and competition.
• Drive revenue and margin results through product modifications, cost reductions, margin analysis, forecasting, positioning, pricing strategies, advertising, and promotion.
• Manage complete product lifecycle, including development oversight, obsolescence planning, long-term support, and handling of recalls or field issues.
• Establish financial goals, forecasts, and performance tracking for the product line.
• Partner with sales teams by delivering product/application expertise, trade show support, training, strategic account development, technical consulting, competitive strategies, and feature/benefit summaries.
• Lead creation of customized marketing tools (technical catalogues, brochures, sales guides, presentations, articles, press releases, web tools, technical papers) tailored to local market needs.
• Represent Powell on industry standard and code committees to influence and stay ahead of regulations.

• B.S. degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in a manufacturing-driven electrical products company.
• 3+ years of experience in product management or product marketing in a comparable industry (e.g., power distribution, switch gear, electrical equipment).
• 1+ years of experience in new product development and cross-functional team environments.

• Detailed knowledge of marketing analytics and segmentation techniques.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong engineering and application expertise in relevant markets (medium/low-voltage switch gear, circuit breakers, motor control).
• Advanced financial and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to influence others and build strong cross-functional relationships.
• Exceptional multitasking and attention to detail under multiple priorities.

• Primarily office-based in a climate-controlled environment.
• Physical demands include talking, hearing, reaching, keyboard/mouse use, maintaining balance/agility (e.g., stairs), prolonged sitting/standing/walking, typing, and exerting up to 20 lbs of force.
• Approximately 20-30% of travel required (domestic and potentially international).

Powell Industries…