Product Manager | Retail Manufacturing

Title: Product ManagerLocation: Vernon Hills, ILOverview: Sterling has helped build careers for thousands for professionals like yourself. Our expert recruiters support you at every step in the process and as a Best of Staffing company, Sterling provides exciting work with exceptional employers across the U.S.Hire Type: Direct Hire Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k Matching Bonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: Annual Bonus Potential Pay : $110,000-130,000Job Summary: We are looking for a strategic Product Manager to lead innovation and drive product strategy across a broad portfolio. This position focuses on leveraging data, insights, and competitive analysis to influence internal product decisions that impact the entire customer base, rather than simply fulfilling individual customer requests.The ideal candidate has experience in retail manufacturing environments with exposure to multiple products, preferably in durable, rugged, or industrial-style product categories. This role will be part of a small team of three hires with staggered start dates.Job Duties: Lead product innovation initiatives through competitive research and gap analysisAnalyze competitor offerings and recommend enhancements or adjustmentsOwn and interpret product data and insights to guide strategic decisionsDrive internal product strategy and decisions, ensuring scalability across the customer baseCollaborate cross-functionally to align product direction with business goalsSupport continuous improvement efforts across a diverse product portfolioQualifications: 4+ years of Product Management experience with a focus on innovation, gap analysis, and competitive researchProven ability to lead internal product strategy rather than executing solely customer-driven requestsBackground in retail manufacturing with experience managing multiple productsStrong analytical skills and a data-driven mindsetCareer stability with demonstrated long-term commitmentsExcellent communication skills and comfort working collaboratively across teamsQualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.