Flexware Innovation
Description
WHAT FLEXWARE DOES
Flexware Innovation is a leading technology integrator that helps forward thinkers in manufacturing and related industries build comprehensive and long-lasting solutions with ease. Founded in 1996 and based in Indiana, our teams of talented engineers leverage technology to solve real business problems with teams of engineers focused on industrial controls, manufacturing systems integration, software development, business intelligence, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Our passion is helping our customers build solutions that stand the test of time by creating solid architecture and helping customers avoid costly design mistakes.
But we're not just invested in technology - we're also invested in people. Our internal promise to our Flexdogs is to have a positive and lasting impact on our families by providing a healthy and engaging work environment. Our environment is fun, family-friendly, energetic, and was nominated for TechPoint's Mira Award for "Company Culture of the Year" in 2017, four Powderkeg awards in 2019, and 5 Powderkeg awards in 2022.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
The Product Manager will be responsible for defining and delivering to market one or more Flexware products, specifically focusing on industrial intralogistics automation solutions, including Flexware's LIFT product and related technologies. This role is pivotal in shaping intelligent software platforms that orchestrate material flow, optimize warehouse automation, integrate seamlessly with other systems such as AGVs/AMRs, WMS, MES, and PLCs, and support smart factory logistics initiatives.
Responsibilities will span multiple business areas and competencies and will require both technical and business/financial skills. The Product Manager will oversee initial market analysis and R&D efforts to determine product viability, set and manage the product roadmap (short term and long term), gather/document product requirements/features, partner with the Product Engineering team on their design/development of the product, and work closely with Sales/Marketing to bring the product to market. The Product Manager will also support the VP of Product on business unit planning and guidance activities, including budgeting, financial modeling, and executive interaction. The role may include either direct or indirect management responsibilities for the resources tasked with supporting the above efforts.
Areas of Responsibility:
•Product Planning/Definition: o Define problem space and value proposition. o Perform/lead market research and analysis to determine product-market fit. o Define product vision and strategy. o Evaluate and assess competition in the market. o Partner with executive leadership on business analysis activities. Leverage financial modeling to evaluate product investments, forecast ROI, and support business case development.
•Product Research and Design (R&D) o Stay current with emerging technologies such as AGVs/AMRs, AI/ML, digital twins, AR/VR, and IIoT to inform product innovation. o Set R&D strategy and MVP requirements. o Set and manage MVP budget and schedule. o Lead/partner with technical resources on MVP design/development.
•Product Development: o Set and maintain product roadmap (short term and long term) and resulting schedule. o Gather/document product requirements/features. o Partner closely with the Product Engineering, UX/UI, QA, and DevOps teams to deliver a scalable, secure, and high-performing product. o Participate actively in sprint ceremonies and work closely with the Product Owner on maintaining the product backlog. o Partner with executive leadership on schedule and budget.
•Product Sales/Marketing o Work closely with Sales/Marketing team on go-to-market activities. o Apply business analysis techniques to assess market opportunities, optimize pricing models, and prioritize features based on economic impact. o Consult with and provide training to sales team to support pre-sales qualification activities. o Participate/Lead customer demos as needed. o Partner with Marketing team on strategy/content. o Participate in trade shows, webinars, and other marketing events as required to publicize and support the product.
•Internal Collaboration o Provide consultation as needed to Delivery teams (Products and Services) on product scoping, estimation, and delivery activities. o Provide consultation and support as needed on internal product coordination activities such as Product Maturity updates, Product Process reviews, and Product Security certification.
This role will be part of the Product Management team, working closely with the Product Engineering team to ideate, design, and deliver new products and enhance and maintain existing products. This rolen will be responsible for leading and owning the product(s) from cradle to grave, and it will require a rare combination of creativity, leadership, technical and business acumen, and next-level interpersonal skills. We are looking for a manager who has several years of proven experience creating industrial products and who still has a passion to roll up their sleeves and be involved actively in the fast-paced world of product management.
Grit required! Flexware is looking for an individual who is willing to step in and step up where necessary. We are looking for someone who is not afraid to get their hands dirty. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident leading others, while maintaining a service posture and adhering to Flexware's core values.
Please note that we are not interviewing candidates that require sponsorship now or in the future
WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE DONE BEFORE
Flexdogs are a rare breed of people. Our Product Managers come from varied backgrounds, but typically have some of the following traits:
•Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Automation, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related technical field. •Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Product Management, or Engineering Management is a plus. •5+ years of experience in product management, preferably in industrial automation, robotics, or systems integration. •Proven track record in launching and scaling B2B products in complex, mission-critical industrial environments. •Familiarity with intralogistics technologies such as AGV/AMRs, WMS/WCS, PLCs, SCADA, and IoT platforms, with a focus on the hardware and software integration between these technologies. •Ability to self-manage is a must. •A desire to solve problems and be a trusted advisor to both internal and external customers. •Strong understanding of agile methodologies and product lifecycle management. •Strong understanding of software architecture, APIs, and cybersecurity best practices. •Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills. Proven success working in cross-functional, global teams. •Strong proficiency in financial modeling and business analysis to support data-driven product decisions and stakeholder alignment a plus.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
WHAT FLEXWARE DOES
Flexware Innovation is a leading technology integrator that helps forward thinkers in manufacturing and related industries build comprehensive and long-lasting solutions with ease. Founded in 1996 and based in Indiana, our teams of talented engineers leverage technology to solve real business problems with teams of engineers focused on industrial controls, manufacturing systems integration, software development, business intelligence, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Our passion is helping our customers build solutions that stand the test of time by creating solid architecture and helping customers avoid costly design mistakes.
But we're not just invested in technology - we're also invested in people. Our internal promise to our Flexdogs is to have a positive and lasting impact on our families by providing a healthy and engaging work environment. Our environment is fun, family-friendly, energetic, and was nominated for TechPoint's Mira Award for "Company Culture of the Year" in 2017, four Powderkeg awards in 2019, and 5 Powderkeg awards in 2022.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
The Product Manager will be responsible for defining and delivering to market one or more Flexware products, specifically focusing on industrial intralogistics automation solutions, including Flexware's LIFT product and related technologies. This role is pivotal in shaping intelligent software platforms that orchestrate material flow, optimize warehouse automation, integrate seamlessly with other systems such as AGVs/AMRs, WMS, MES, and PLCs, and support smart factory logistics initiatives.
Responsibilities will span multiple business areas and competencies and will require both technical and business/financial skills. The Product Manager will oversee initial market analysis and R&D efforts to determine product viability, set and manage the product roadmap (short term and long term), gather/document product requirements/features, partner with the Product Engineering team on their design/development of the product, and work closely with Sales/Marketing to bring the product to market. The Product Manager will also support the VP of Product on business unit planning and guidance activities, including budgeting, financial modeling, and executive interaction. The role may include either direct or indirect management responsibilities for the resources tasked with supporting the above efforts.
Areas of Responsibility:
•Product Planning/Definition: o Define problem space and value proposition. o Perform/lead market research and analysis to determine product-market fit. o Define product vision and strategy. o Evaluate and assess competition in the market. o Partner with executive leadership on business analysis activities. Leverage financial modeling to evaluate product investments, forecast ROI, and support business case development.
•Product Research and Design (R&D) o Stay current with emerging technologies such as AGVs/AMRs, AI/ML, digital twins, AR/VR, and IIoT to inform product innovation. o Set R&D strategy and MVP requirements. o Set and manage MVP budget and schedule. o Lead/partner with technical resources on MVP design/development.
•Product Development: o Set and maintain product roadmap (short term and long term) and resulting schedule. o Gather/document product requirements/features. o Partner closely with the Product Engineering, UX/UI, QA, and DevOps teams to deliver a scalable, secure, and high-performing product. o Participate actively in sprint ceremonies and work closely with the Product Owner on maintaining the product backlog. o Partner with executive leadership on schedule and budget.
•Product Sales/Marketing o Work closely with Sales/Marketing team on go-to-market activities. o Apply business analysis techniques to assess market opportunities, optimize pricing models, and prioritize features based on economic impact. o Consult with and provide training to sales team to support pre-sales qualification activities. o Participate/Lead customer demos as needed. o Partner with Marketing team on strategy/content. o Participate in trade shows, webinars, and other marketing events as required to publicize and support the product.
•Internal Collaboration o Provide consultation as needed to Delivery teams (Products and Services) on product scoping, estimation, and delivery activities. o Provide consultation and support as needed on internal product coordination activities such as Product Maturity updates, Product Process reviews, and Product Security certification.
This role will be part of the Product Management team, working closely with the Product Engineering team to ideate, design, and deliver new products and enhance and maintain existing products. This rolen will be responsible for leading and owning the product(s) from cradle to grave, and it will require a rare combination of creativity, leadership, technical and business acumen, and next-level interpersonal skills. We are looking for a manager who has several years of proven experience creating industrial products and who still has a passion to roll up their sleeves and be involved actively in the fast-paced world of product management.
Grit required! Flexware is looking for an individual who is willing to step in and step up where necessary. We are looking for someone who is not afraid to get their hands dirty. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident leading others, while maintaining a service posture and adhering to Flexware's core values.
Please note that we are not interviewing candidates that require sponsorship now or in the future
WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE DONE BEFORE
Flexdogs are a rare breed of people. Our Product Managers come from varied backgrounds, but typically have some of the following traits:
•Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Automation, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related technical field. •Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Product Management, or Engineering Management is a plus. •5+ years of experience in product management, preferably in industrial automation, robotics, or systems integration. •Proven track record in launching and scaling B2B products in complex, mission-critical industrial environments. •Familiarity with intralogistics technologies such as AGV/AMRs, WMS/WCS, PLCs, SCADA, and IoT platforms, with a focus on the hardware and software integration between these technologies. •Ability to self-manage is a must. •A desire to solve problems and be a trusted advisor to both internal and external customers. •Strong understanding of agile methodologies and product lifecycle management. •Strong understanding of software architecture, APIs, and cybersecurity best practices. •Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills. Proven success working in cross-functional, global teams. •Strong proficiency in financial modeling and business analysis to support data-driven product decisions and stakeholder alignment a plus.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.