Associate Product Manager

Genuine Comfort; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading HVAC product distributor in Toronto is seeking an Associate Product Manager to support product initiatives. You will manage product developments, ensure compliance with industry standards, and conduct market research. The ideal candidate will have experience in product management and strong project coordination skills, contributing to a dynamic team environment. This full-time position includes four days on-site with one remote workday option.

Benefits

Opportunity for career advancement

Innovative work environment

Direct influence on product lifecycle

Qualifications

• Experience in product management or coordination preferably in HVAC or commercial products.
• Familiarity with compliance standards like AHRI, Energy Star, UL, CSA, ETL is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage product documentation.

Responsibilities

• Manage Vendor-Led and Collaborative Product Developments.
• Oversee product compliance and certifications.
• Create and maintain all product-related content and documentation.
• Perform market research and product testing.

Skills

Project coordination

Technical knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Job description

Overview

Who we are

Founded in 2010, Genuine Comfort is a leading distributor of Air Conditioners (AC) and Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTAC) across Canada & Mid-North USA. We are dedicated to “Delivering Comfort Consistently” to hospitality, commercial, and multi-family markets. We accomplish this through exceptional product availability, local warehousing, best-in-industry warranty and a dedication to on-time error-free delivery of room cooling products. Our impact is felt in hundreds of thousands of apartments and hotel rooms, with a visionary goal to surpass 60,000 units sold annually by 2030. Over the last four years, we have grown through strategic acquisitions of proven industry players, increased our product capacity and lineup, expanded our reach and distribution capabilities, have been featured multiple times in the Globe and Mail's Canada's fastest-growing companies list and surpassed our 2023 vision 26 months ahead of schedule.

Who we need

Reporting to the Director of Product, we are hiring an Associate Product Manager (APM). The mission of the APM is to support the development and execution of product initiatives that align with the company’s strategic goals. As our new APM, you will assist with managing Vendor-Led and Collaborative Product Developments, ensuring that specifications, compliance standards, and timelines are met. By coordinating market research, facilitating prototype testing, and analyzing after-sales feedback, you will ensure that products meet customer needs, adhere to industry regulations, and contribute to the company’s overall objectives.

You will play a key role in ensuring that all teams have the necessary product knowledge and resources to succeed. You will maintain quality control, assisting with data and research that helps create a strong product-market fit, and providing technical support to internal departments, including sales, marketing, operations, finance, and customer support.

This is a full time position, working four-days on-site with the option to work one day remotely.

What is in it for you :

Impact and influence. You will play a critical role in shaping and supporting the product lifecycle — from concept to after-sales — ensuring products meet compliance, quality, and customer expectations. Your insights and execution will directly influence product-market fit and customer satisfaction. Your work will directly shape the success of the product portfolio.

Innovation and exposure. You will be part of a team that values creativity, rigour, and continuous improvement. You will work with every major department, giving you a 360° view of how products succeed in the market and how business decisions are made. From contributing to new product innovations to driving after-sales quality control, you will wear multiple hats and see the full product lifecycle, not just one slice of it.

Career advancement. This is an ideal opportunity for someone eager to grow into a senior product role. You will gain hands-on experience with compliance standards, prototype testing, market research, and cross-functional collaboration, building the foundation for a long-term career in product management.

What you will do :

• Product development. You will manage Vendor-Led (VPD) and Collaborative Product Developments (CPD), which the Director of Product approves. You will track vendor progress, validate prototypes, and capture / manage tasks in Monday (or equivalent).
• Compliance. You will oversee product compliance and certifications (AHRI, Energy Star, ETL, UL, CSA), ensuring timely applications and accurate documentation. You will monitor regulatory updates (e.g., refrigerant transitions, safety codes) to ensure all products meet current standards.
• Product knowledge management. You will create and maintain all product-related content, including spec sheets, manuals, submittals, high-resolution product images, and exploded parts views. You will support product information in QuickBooks according to standards and ensure all documents are properly organized and stored. You will create and deliver product training presentations, update and maintain Guru cards, and offer technical assistance across departments.
• After-sales quality control. You will work with OPS on product clear-outs (sell / scrap decisions) and review damaged items for resolution. You will manage the After-Sales QC process, performing root cause analyses on recurring or high-impact issues. You will collaborate with vendors on corrective actions and secure compensation for defective products. You will retain customer satisfaction by driving quick and effective solutions.
• Market research and analysis. You will research competitor products, pricing, features, and positioning. You will conduct customer and market research (surveys, interviews, secondary data) to identify needs, pain points, and trends. You will provide insights to support Strategic Product Developments (SPD) and innovation opportunities.
• Product testing and evaluation. You will perform physical testing and review of products, including prototype and production models (e.g., PTAC units). You will evaluate performance by turning on units, testing displays and thermostat integration, reviewing aesthetics and part fit, and performing noise testing with handheld instruments. You will document findings in general reports and escalate issues (e.g., poor labelling, noise levels, or quality concerns) to vendors for resolution.
• Warranty support and coverage. You will be fully trained in warranty and support processes to cover during the absence of the Warranty Lead. You will handle warranty tickets independently when required, ensuring SLA standards are met.

What you bring :

• The experience. You have experience in product management or product coordination ideally within HVAC, appliances, or any other commercial product that includes technical details. You are comfortable coordinating across internal teams and external vendors, managing multiple product initiatives simultaneously, and contributing to the full product lifecycle.
• The technical knowledge. You have a willingness to learn regulatory requirements impacting the industry. You have a proactive approach to quality control and issue resolution, with the ability to perform root cause analysis, recommend corrective actions, and oversee prototype testing and evaluation. You are comfortable with basic technical product evaluation and have the curiosity to quickly learn new product categories. Familiarity with compliance standards (AHRI, Energy Star, UL, CSA, ETL) is a plus.
• The analytical and project coordination skills. You have strong organizational skills and can accurately manage product documentation, compliance files, and technical resources. You have experience conducting research, analyzing data, and generating actionable insights for product development and after-sales strategies. You are detail-oriented, able to track tasks in project management tools (e.g., Monday), and maintain high standards for accuracy and follow-through.
• The communication and collaboration. You have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly and work effectively with cross-functional teams and external vendors. You are proactive, professional, and able to manage communications across time zones. You take initiative, anticipate challenges, and escalate issues as needed while fostering positive working relationships.

Why join

With a developed and cohesive leadership team and a robust entrepreneurial operating system, we are small but mighty, with the internal structure and processes to support our growth. Every action we take is focused on gaining traction every day, being held accountable to our objectives, and communicating openly so that we are all on the same page and in alignment with our vision. Our commitment to our people and our mission ensures that those who share our passion for growing are recognized and rewarded. This is a place where everyone is equipped with the support and the autonomy to make decisions and to learn from mistakes. Your contributions will directly influence our journey, allowing you to move the needle, innovate to meet challenges and achieve our collective goals.

If your values align with ours, join us to elevate your C.O.O.L. factor :

• Communicate openly, honestly, and effectively with internal teams and clients.
• Own your accountabilities and decision-making.
• Operate with initiative.
• Learn to grow and embrace change.

What you can expect from our interview process :

If you have 70% of what we're looking for, express your interest here. Please contact us at and let us know what accommodations or assistance we can provide you during the application process.

Apply now.

1. A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor discussing your interest in the role and the company.
2. A 30 minute virtual interview with the Director of Product and the COO to share more about your experience and career history.
3. An in-person interview with the Director of Product and the CEO (who is remote). This is a chance to dive deeper into your career path and technical skills as well as complete an initial Criteria assessment.
4. A Kolbe assessment and reference checks

At Genuine Comfort we are committed to hiring the best qualified candidates that align with our company core values regardless of culture, race, disability or gender.

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