Associate Product Manager - Lubrication

Exotic Automation & Supply Inc.; New Hudson (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career path

Training program

Bonus plan

Variety of work

Company stability

Benefits & PTO

Job summary

Exotic Automation & Supply is seeking a development-focused professional to learn our fluid power and automation products and grow into a Product Manager.

You will train with manufacturers, join sales calls, assist with customer proposals, and help shape product strategy while building supplier relationships and supporting promotions. The role offers cross-functional exposure across office, customer sites, and shop floor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; 2 years of sales-related or technical experience may substitute.
• 1+ year in a sales, technical, or customer-facing role; industrial or distribution experience is a plus.
• Mechanical aptitude and curiosity about how technical products work.
• Comfort with computers; CRM experience is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Organized, self-motivated, able to juggle priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to support customers outside normal hours, including 24-hour coverage.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Learn the product line thoroughly through manufacturer and supplier training and certifications.
• Join sales teams on calls; assist with customer proposals and field applications.
• Help plan sales strategy, gather data for forecasts, and research new technologies.
• Build strong supplier relationships; analyze inventory and rebates.
• Assist with promotions; represent Exotic at trade shows and open houses.
• Train internal teams and help create marketing materials.
• Report findings and propose process improvements to boost service and profitability.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

Sales experience

Mechanical aptitude

Computer literacy

CRM experience

Communication skills

Organization

Flexibility

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Learn the products. Build the relationships. Grow into a Product Manager.
Exotic Automation supplies fluid power and automation solutions to customers. This role is a development position: you’ll work side by side with our Product Managers, train with leading manufacturers, and learn to match the right products to real customer problems. As your skills grow, so do your responsibilities, and the goal is for you to move into a full Product Manager role.

What You Will Do

• Learn the product line inside and out. Complete manufacturer and supplier training and certifications. You will build the skills to size, specify, and recommend products and systems for customer applications.
• Get in front of customers. Join Product Managers, Account Managers, and factory reps on sales calls. Answer product questions, help put together customer proposals, and support field applications and system designs.
• Shape product strategy. Help plan sales strategy, gather data for forecasts, research new technologies, and keep an eye on the competition.
• Work with suppliers. Build strong supplier relationships and support contracts, inventory analysis, rebate programs, and special supplier programs.
• Drive promotions and growth. Help create and run sales promotions, find new customer targets, and represent Exotic at trade shows and open houses.
• Share what you know. Train internal teams as your expertise grows, present at Exotic University, and help create marketing materials.
• Improve how we work. Report findings on products and projects, and recommend process improvements that boost service, quality, and profitability.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (2 years of sales-related or technical experience may be substituted).
• 1+ year in a sales, technical, or customer-facing role. Industrial or distribution experience is a plus.
• Mechanical aptitude and a real curiosity about how technical products work.
• Comfort with computers. CRM experience is a plus.
• Strong communication, writing, and presentation skills.
• Organized, self-motivated, and comfortable juggling priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to support customers outside normal hours when needed, including 24-hour support coverage.
• Valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and a reliable vehicle that seats four adults comfortably.

Why Exotic Automation

• A clear career path. This role is built to develop you into a Product Manager.
• Real training. You’ll learn through manufacturer certifications, mentorship, and Exotic University.
• Bonus potential. You become eligible for the Product Manager Bonus Plan once training is complete.
• Variety. Your work will span office, customer sites, and the shop floor.
• Stability. Exotic is part of the Value Added Companies family.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package. Exotic offers full benefits and PTO.

Exotic Automation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Working Conditions:

• Normal business office and industrial environment with regular (up to 100% of work time) exposure to noise, dust, office equipment, machinery, equipment and supplies

Exotic Automation & Supply maintains a drug‑free workplace, including testing for marijuana.