Director — Product Manager, Automation Solutions

Job Title:
Director — Product Manager, Automation Solutions

Department:
Operations

Location:
Remote OR Methods Location

Methods Machine Tools, Inc. supplies high-quality, high-precision machine tools and automation solutions, and designs integrated custom machining processes and systems. Headquartered in Sudbury, Mass., and in operation since 1958, Methods provides an end-to-end portfolio of best-in-class products, engineering, service, parts, training, and integration. Methods has more than 300 employees, seven technology centers, one high precision machining center, and has installed in excess of 45,000 machines throughout North America.

The Product Manager – Automation Solutions is responsible for leading the development and delivery of both standard and custom automation solutions. This role requires a blend of technical expertise and business acumen to ensure that automation products meet customer requirements, are cost-effective, and delivered on schedule.

The Product Manager will build strong relationships with OEMs and customers, manage the full product lifecycle, and align product offerings with market demand and company capabilities. This individual will play a key role in translating customer needs into actionable product plans, supporting sales, and driving business growth through innovative automation solutions.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid time off, Education Assistance, 401(k) Plan, and great opportunity to advance.

• Conduct market research to identify target segments, understand automation trends, assess customer needs, and analyze competitive positioning.
• Develop product roadmaps, pricing strategies, and go-to-market plans for automation solutions.
• Build business cases for new automation features, applications, and custom solutions, ensuring alignment with company goals and ROI targets.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Design, Service, and Production teams to deliver customer-focused automation products from concept to deployment.
• Identify and evaluate market opportunities, translating them into product requirements and supporting successful launches.
• Prepare and deliver product presentations, competitive analyses, and value propositions tailored to automation markets.
• Forecast demand, manage inventory, and analyze product line profitability for automation solutions.
• Oversee product and project budgets, ensuring profitability and effective resource allocation.
• Partner with engineering, sales, and OEM teams to integrate customer requirements into automation product design and delivery schedules.
• Monitor and measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and product launches.
• Ensure a customer-first mindset by promptly addressing issues related to quality, delivery, and satisfaction.
• Prepare detailed quote templates for standard and custom automation solutions, requiring a clear understanding of technical specifications.
• Contribute to resource planning, policy development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative team environment to drive innovation in automation solutions.

• Engage with production, service, and parts teams to resolve issues impacting automation project schedules and customer satisfaction.
• Work closely with executive, engineering, sales, and supply chain leaders to forecast customer activity and manage resources for automation projects.
• Conduct manufacturing reviews, ensuring drawings and production processes align with automation product requirements.
• Prepare and maintain Bills of Material (BOM) and routings for automation solutions, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Monitor standard costs, labor hours, and production performance for automation projects; update BOMs and routings as needed.
• Ensure accurate entry and maintenance of new part numbers and routings in the ERP system.
• Review job costs and continuously update BOMs and routings to reflect current standards and costs.

• Demonstrated success defining, launching, and managing automation products or solutions, with measurable business impact.
• Proven ability to…