Product Manager - Automotive

Whalen Search Group; Myrtle Beach (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Whalen Search Group is seeking a Product Manager or Junior Product Manager for a growing automotive aftermarket leader in Myrtle Beach, SC. This full-time, onsite role offers the chance to own a product portfolio and drive new product development from concept through launch.

You'll collaborate with sales, marketing, engineering, purchasing, and operations, conduct market research, identify opportunities, and help shape product strategy while gaining increasing responsibilities over time.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of relevant experience for Junior PM role.
• 2-5+ years of product management experience for PM role.
• Automotive aftermarket experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with cross-functional collaboration.
• Mechanical aptitude and understanding of automotive products.

Responsibilities

• Support and/or manage new product development from concept through launch
• Research market trends, competitive products, customer needs, and industry opportunities
• Develop product requirements, specifications, and documentation
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with sales, marketing, operations, engineering, and purchasing
• Monitor product performance and recommend improvements

Skills

Automotive aftermarket experience

Product management

Analytical skills

Job description

Must have Automotive Aftermarket Experience

Our client, a growing leader in the automotive aftermarket, is looking for a Product Manager or Junior Product Manager to join their team and play an important role in driving new product development across key product categories. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Product Manager ready to take ownership of a product portfolio, as well as a motivated early-career professional looking to build a long-term career in product management.

The company has built a strong reputation for quality products, innovation, and long-term customer relationships, while continuing to expand its business and product offerings. This is a full-time, onsite position located in the beautiful Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina, offering year-round warm weather, easy access to the beach, a relaxed coastal lifestyle, and a growing business community. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.

In this role, you’ll be involved in the product lifecycle from concept through launch, including researching market trends, identifying new product opportunities, supporting product strategy, and collaborating with sales, marketing, engineering, purchasing, and operations.

Depending on your level of experience, you’ll have the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility for product development, category strategy, and product performance while working alongside an experienced and collaborative team.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and/or manage new product development from concept through launch
• Research market trends, competitive products, customer needs, and industry opportunities
• Help identify and evaluate new product opportunities and potential product gaps
• Develop product requirements, specifications, and supporting documentation
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with sales, marketing, operations, engineering, and purchasing
• Support product launches and go‑to‑market initiatives
• Monitor product performance and make recommendations for improvements or additions
• Maintain product information, pricing, and related product documentation
• Stay current on automotive aftermarket trends, technologies, and competitive activity

What We’re Looking For

We are open to considering candidates at both the Junior Product Manager and Product Manager level.

For a Junior Product Manager:

• 0-2 years of relevant experience, including internships or co‑op experience
• Automotive aftermarket experience or exposure strongly preferred
• Experience with an automotive retailer, parts supplier, manufacturer, or related organization is a plus
• Strong interest in product management and the automotive industry
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to understand automotive products and applications
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Motivated, curious, and eager to learn

For a Product Manager:

• 2-5+ years of product management experience, preferably within the automotive aftermarket
• Experience managing products through development, launch, and lifecycle
• Strong understanding of market research, competitive analysis, and product strategy
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
• Mechanical aptitude and a solid understanding of automotive products and applications