Product Manager

Klöckner Pentaplast Europe GmbH & Co. KG; Germany (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Klöckner Pentaplast Europe GmbH & Co. KG is seeking a Product Manager to execute commercial and operational strategies in their Gendorf production site. This role involves managing product performance, technical documentation, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance profitability and reduce risks.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) and 3-5 years of industry experience, alongside strong data analysis and communication skills. Proficiency in English and German is mandatory.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in a related industry.
• Strong data analysis and presentation skills.
• Fluent written and oral communication in English and German.

Responsibilities

• Manage product cost calculations and changes.
• Develop and maintain technical product documentation.
• Lead site-specific Value Stream Team meetings.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication skills

Project management

Technical documentation

Fluent in English and German

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Science, or Engineering

MBA (optional)

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Salesforce

Pricefx

Excel (pivot functions)

Job description

kp is a globally recognised leader in the packaging and specialty film industry, renowned for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. The need to act on climate change has never been clearer so we incorporate sustainability into everything we do by #InvestingInBetter - creating innovative products that enhance product protection, shelf life and contribute to reducing the overall carbon footprint.

At kp, we are passionate about ensuring our customers' satisfaction, and we strive to achieve this goal by focusing all our efforts on meeting their evolving needs. Our dedication to drive a positive change in the packaging industry with a focus on quality and sustainability has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.

The Product Manager plays a key role in executing our commercial and operational strategy, enabling us to delight customers, increase profitability, and reduce risks for our business. In particular, the candidate works cross-functionally with teams in the region to advance a wide range of programs for the production site she/he is responsible for (here: Gendorf). These include improving product portfolio performance, enhancing operational effectiveness, managing the sample strategy, taking responsibility for technical product documentation, and driving product launches.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Acts as the subject matter expert for product cost calculation and cost development at the site.
• In alignment with PLM Directors and Plant Managers, this role implements product line changes (e.g., rationalization, equipment modifications, price increases, raw material changes, minimum order quantities, etc.) to improve profitability or reduce business risk, working with cross-functional stakeholders (Sales, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, Operations, etc.).
• Develops and maintains all technical product documentation, including product specifications and technical data sheets (TDS).
• Responsible for creating and maintaining the bill of materials (BOM) for products at the site.
• Supports plant management in identifying the most profitable uses of NVI within KP and manages customer re-purchase programs to increase site/product profitability.
• Acts as project manager for new product development or technical product changes within the Stage‑Gate process.
• Manages the site’s sample strategy: defines which products, inventory recommendations, minimum order quantities for samples, etc.; ensures that stocked samples are the correct SKUs and that no unnecessary or obsolete SKUs are held.
• Provides guidance to the site on prioritizing products and customers during periods of capacity constraints, in coordination with the PHD leadership team.
• Supports PLM Directors in managing customer communication and sales tools related to product changes or issues.
• Supports Sales in customer discussions and training sessions where product expertise is required.
• Co‑ordinates and leads a site‑specific Value Stream Team (VST) meeting on a quarterly basis (or monthly if needed), where the cross‑functional team identifies key issues and opportunities, aligns on actions, and reports on progress.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) in Business Administration, Marketing, Science, or Engineering from a college or university, along with three to five years of experience in a related industry; MBA would be a plus.
• Strong skills in data analysis and presentation.
• Advanced knowledge of key systems, or the ability to quickly learn them: SAP, Power BI, Salesforce, Pricefx.
• Ability to analyze diverse datasets using Excel, particularly with pivot functions.
• Ability to develop and deliver professional, clear, and concise presentations on a wide range of topics.
• An intelligent and articulate individual who can interact effectively with people from different cultures and at all levels of an organization, with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work both strategically and tactically, including the capability to switch quickly between the two.
• A well‑organized, self‑directed individual who can quickly adjust priorities to meet business needs and balance “urgent” and “important” tasks.
• Fluent written and oral English and German skills mandatory.
• Willingness and ability to travel from time to time.

At kp, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is vital to our global success. We welcome applicants from all identities, ideas, perspectives and experiences and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. We aim to create an inclusive culture where our employees feel empowered to play to their strengths and see themselves reflected in the organization without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual preference, marital status, or inclusion in any other protected class.