Product Manager - Vapor Phase Odor Control

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

The Role: The Product Manager - Vapor Phase Odor Control, drives innovation and commercialization of systems that remove odorous contaminants (e.g., H₂S, VOCs, ammonia) across municipal and industrial applications, working closely with the broader Odor and Corrosion and Utility Services product teams. The role is responsible for leading strategy, development, and lifecycle management for a product line which currently includes technologies such as Biotrickling Filters, Hybrid Biofilters, Degasifiers, Chemical Scrubbers and Activated Carbon / Dry Media Systems. These products are utilized in both full-service applications and in capital sales, with installations in over 45 countries. The ideal candidate combines strong technical knowledge with commercial acumen to deliver high-performance, cost-effective, and technically robust solutions of both standard equipment and engineered-to-order solutions, conducting advanced analyses of product performance, performing in-depth market research, and developing strategies to drive growth in the product offering. The Product Manager works closely with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve product issues, implement corrective and preventive actions, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Core Responsibilities:

Product Line Advocate

• Serve as the subject matter expert on the technology portfolio, supporting the various regional sales, marketing and applications teams, providing constant customer touch points, defining the pricing strategy, obtaining market and competitive intelligence.
• Champion thought leadership through white papers, abstract submissions and presentations at conferences, workshops, webinars and other forums, involvement in professional bodies.
• Support sales and marketing with VOC development via customer visits and trade show attendance.
• Collaborate with finance, sales and operations to ensure highly accurate revenue and margin forecast numbers. (SIOP)
• Establish / maintain liaison with finance / build solid processes and procedures related to financials of products.
• Successfully implement and execute 80/20 initiatives within the responsible product portfolios, managing product lifecycle.
• Drive continuous improvement to identify top areas in need of improvement and standardization of processes in the product management function.
• Build strong liaison with Engineering, R&D, Supply Chain & Manufacturing, Sales, Business Development and Marketing functions to build new product funnel, define value engineering efforts. 
• Be a customer champion to roll out new products on time and establish strong collaboration with regional marketing and sales teams to commercialize new products.

Development of Product Strategy and New Product Development (NPD)

• Develop strategic and tactical initiatives related to new product and solution introductions and drives initiatives through the Stage Gate process
• Develop and manage VOC business requirements and use cases in a requirements management tool.
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams on the associated technical requirements development, and assures requirements are being met through system test and beta test programs.
• Collect market feedback on existing products and services and prioritize changes across releases.
• Work directly with customers, sales, marketing and support organizations to ensure needs are met and are driven back into the development process via Stage Gate.
• Coordinate with engineering, planning, procurement, sales and finance to assure cost targets, solution availability and profitability meet business objectives
• Develop and coordinate activities associated with the creation of technical, sales and marketing literature.
• Responsible for the New Product vitality index and product strategy/growth.

Data Analysis and Market Research

• Conduct in-depth analysis of market trends and competitor strategies
• Utilize data to identify new product opportunities and inform product development decisions
• Track and report on product performance and make recommendations for improvement
• Identify potential M&A targets and engage with the Xylem Innovation Laboratory team on relevant partnerships.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with engineering, design, sales, and marketing teams to ensure product success
• Serve as a liaison between different departments to align product goals and strategies
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between teams to ensure timely and effective product delivery.

Key Relationships

• Consultants, Contractors, Plant Manager, End users, Service Workshops, Design Engineers, Utilities Directors, Key Supply Chain members, and Third-party sales channels.
• Operations, R&D, Legal, Finance, Corporate strategy & Product management, Supply chain / buyers, Factory managers, Communications, Vertical marketing, Sales, Technical / Applications Support, both US and global.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Environmental Engineering from an accredited institution, or a related field with at least 5 years’ wastewater or air pollution control / HVAC experience.
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork and problem-solving skills to effectively work with customers, business partners, vendors, staff and management from a variety of skill levels and different authority levels from plant laborer to senior executives.
• Demonstrated experience working in fast paced environment and in a matrix organization.

• Able to resolve difficult technical and business issues.
• Self-starter with high motivation to achieve both individual and team goals.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to influence cross functional teams.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and targets simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced technical degree, business degree, or 10+ years’ experience in air treatment markets and technologies (municipal wastewater, solid waste, or industrial).
• Familiarity with industrial, manufacturing and / or construction environments, resulting in an understanding of the practical implications of applying technical solutions in the field.
• Knowledge of market research and competitive analysis techniques.
• Familiarity with LEAN processes and odor control technology related supply chains (activated carbon, FRP, synthetic media, nutrients, chemicals).
• Familiarity with design standards and consulting engineering workflows.
• Experience with digital/remote monitoring systems, preferably for air treatment.
• Proficiency in product management tools and software
• Experience in developing and executing new product development (NPD) and implementing product strategies.

High Impact Behaviors:

• Continuous Professional Development: Professionals should be committed to lifelong learning, seeking opportunities for self-improvement, and staying abreast of industry trends and best practices.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Effective professionals understand the value of collaboration. They work well with others, contribute to team goals, and understand that diverse perspectives can lead to better solutions.  This role has no direct reports – a proven ability to influence cross-functional teams without formal authority will be required for success.
• Results Driven Performance: High performing professionals focus on delivering results. They set high standards for their own performance and are committed to achieving objectives efficiently and effectively.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

(The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Regularly required to sit or stand, reach, bend and move about the facility
• Office: Standard office equipment; work usually performed in an office setting free from any disagreeable elements.
• Miscellaneous: Exposure to undesirable field elements at manufacturing facilities, treatment plants and pump stations or construction sites when travelling.
• Standard weekly job hours: 40 hours. We are a global team supporting a global business. Travel, and some meetings, may occur outside of the typical office hours of your home region.
• Travel: International and Domestic travel required, up to 25%.

The estimated salary range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000 plus bonus.   Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range.  At Xylem we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement. 

Xylem does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

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Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.