Product Line Leader, Life‑Safety Detection & Suppression

KiddeFenwal - USA; Ashland (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

KiddeFenwal in Ashland, MA, seeks a Product Line Leader for Life-Safety Detection & Suppression to guide strategy and execution of a global portfolio. You will translate customer needs into product direction, align cross‑functional teams across engineering, operations, and sales, and drive offerings that save lives and sustain business continuity.

Lead NPD and sustaining initiatives, develop pricing models, draft value propositions, and deliver training to internal and external audiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field.
• ],
• job_responsibilities_description

Responsibilities

• Lead NPD from concept through launch and oversee sustaining and value-engineering initiatives.
• Turn VoC inputs into requirements, business cases, and pricing models.
• Own lifecycle outcomes—from introduction to sunset—driving profitability and margins.
• Define go-to-market positioning and create sales tools and collateral.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Business acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field

MBA or related business qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Product Line Leader, Life‑Safety Detection & SuppressionWork model: Hybrid — based in Ashland, MAAbout KiddeFenwalJoin a global innovator in fire detection, alarm, and suppression solutions. At KiddeFenwal, we safeguard people, property, and essential operations worldwide through engineered systems and a culture grounded in integrity, collaboration, innovation, and customer focus.About the roleReporting to the Product Management Director, you will guide the strategy and execution of a global detection–alarm–control portfolio within our Detection & Control team. You’ll convert customer needs into product direction, align cross‑functional stakeholders, and deliver offerings that save lives and sustain business continuity.A day in the lifeStart with a pulse check on product KPIs and margin health, then align priorities with engineering in a stand‑up focused on NPD, sustaining, and value‑engineering workstreams.Host a Voice of Customer session, transforming insights into clear, testable requirements for upcoming releases.Partner with the Market & Pricing Analyst to tune pricing strategy, update models, and evaluate elasticity scenarios.Draft value propositions and positioning, then review collateral, white papers, and technical documentation with Marketing Communications.Deliver product training to internal sales and applications teams and prepare for a customer visit or trade show appearance.Close the day by refining the roadmap and communicating forecast updates based on market signals and code/standards changes (NFPA, UL, FM, ISO, EN).Where you’ll make an impactMarket Intelligence & StrategyBe the authority on customers, competitors, and trends in fire detection and suppression controls.Spot emerging opportunities and risks; translate insights into strategic recommendations for leadership.Shape and evolve the portfolio strategy in partnership with the Product Management Director, Chief Product Officer, and cross‑functional leaders.Product Development & LifecycleLead NPD from concept through launch while overseeing sustaining and value‑engineering initiatives.Turn VoC inputs into requirements, business cases, pricing models, and go‑forward plans.Own lifecycle outcomes—performance, profitability, and long‑term margin integrity—from introduction to sunset.Go‑to‑Market & Sales EnablementDefine positioning and differentiated value propositions.Co‑create collateral, sales tools, white papers, and technical documentation with Marketing Communications.Deliver product training for internal and external audiences and support commercial, technical, and applications teams.Business Performance & ForecastingMonitor product line performance and drive targeted improvements.Align pricing strategy and updates with the Market & Pricing Analyst.Own volume forecasts and communicate shifts informed by trends and market events.Cross‑Functional & External EngagementRepresent KiddeFenwal at trade shows, customer visits, and internal sales meetings.Build strong partnerships with engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, and key external stakeholders.Stay current with global codes and standards (NFPA, UL, FM, ISO, EN, etc.).What you’ll bringRequiredBachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical fieldProven commercial and financial acumenDeep knowledge of codes and standards for Fire Detection and Suppression SystemsExcellent written and verbal communicationHigh proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)Ability to travel up to 25%, including internationallyPreferredMBA or related business qualificationProduct management certificationsExperience in the fire protection industry (fire alarm or specialty detection systems)Multilingual abilitiesCore competenciesStrategic thinking and market insightProduct management and organizational excellenceCross‑functional leadership and collaborationGrowth mindset and self‑motivationProblem‑solving in complex technical and commercial settingsDomain proficiencyBusiness‑to‑Business (B2B)Commercial building systemsCritical infrastructureFire detectionFire suppressionIndustrial safety marketsProduct managementNew Product Development (NPD)