About the Opportunity
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Product Portfolio Manager to join a growing manufacturing organization in Shelton, CT.
This is an excellent opportunity for a business-minded professional who enjoys product development, market research, project management, and cross-functional collaboration.
In this role, you will work alongside the Product Portfolio Manager to bring new products to market, support product innovation, analyze market opportunities, and coordinate projects from initial concept through successful launch.
What You'll Be Doing
Product Development & Project Management
- Support new product development, product line extensions, and commercialization initiatives from concept through launch.
- Coordinate project timelines, prototypes, product samples, and key deliverables.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Quality, and Operations to ensure successful product development and timely launches.
- Track project progress, resolve challenges, and maintain accurate product documentation.
Market Research & Financial Analysis
- Conduct market and competitive research to identify industry trends, customer needs, pricing opportunities, and portfolio gaps.
- Analyze product margins, profitability, and financial data to support strategic business decisions.
- Maintain competitive analyses, product comparisons, and market intelligence reports.
- Translate customer feedback and market insights into new product and business opportunities.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Product Launches
- Partner with Sales Managers and participate in customer meetings, innovation sessions, plant visits, and trade shows.
- Work with Marketing and Branding teams to support new product launches and commercialization strategies.
- Assist in developing product presentations, training materials, catalogs, sales collateral, and marketing content.
- Coordinate product samples, prototypes, and product information across departments.
Systems & Process Improvement
- Maintain product information and project documentation using internal systems.
- Utilize Salesforce, Epicor, and project tracking tools to support product management activities.
- Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve project visibility, and enhance operational efficiency.
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Management, or a related field.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Access.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical and financial information.
- Ability to perform financial analysis, evaluate data, and develop actionable recommendations.
- Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in product management, product development, marketing, or project coordination.
- Experience within a manufacturing or product-focused environment.
- Familiarity with Salesforce, Pardot, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, or Epicor.
- Understanding of engineering terminology and technical product development.
- Experience conducting market research, competitive analysis, or product profitability assessments.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
Competitive Compensation: $65,000-$78,000 annually, depending on experience.
Direct-Hire Opportunity: Join an established manufacturing organization in a permanent position.
Professional Development: Gain exposure to the full product lifecycle, from concept and development through commercialization.
Cross-Functional Experience: Collaborate with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and other key business functions.
Career Growth: Develop valuable experience in product management, business strategy, and product innovation.
- Schedule: Full-Time
- Travel: Approximately 5-10% domestic travel