Specialty & Gearing Global Product Manager

Nidec Motor Corporation; Hoffman Estates (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Nidec Motor Corporation is seeking a dedicated Product Manager based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. This role involves leading product strategy and managing product development for a wide range of motion control solutions.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business, 5+ years of experience in product management, and a strong understanding of motion control systems and geared motors. The role offers opportunities for both domestic and international travel, contributing to Nidec's global presence.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in product management or related roles in the automation or industrial systems.
• Experience with geared motors preferred.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and product launches.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global product strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead cross-functional product development from concept through commercialization.
• Work closely with sales and application engineering teams to support new business opportunities.
• Develop global go-to-market strategies, including pricing and channel approaches.
• Monitor product performance through sales data and customer feedback.

Skills

Product Strategy and Portfolio Management

Product Development Leadership

Global Cross-Functional Collaboration

Go-to-Market and Commercial Execution

Product Lifecycle Management

Voice of Customer & Market Insights

Analytical Skills

Leadership Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

MBA or advanced degree

Job description

Job Summary

Nidec is the world’s No.1 comprehensive motor manufacturer handling everything that spins and moves, from miniature to gigantic. As a global enterprise with over 140,000 employees, we develop motors for a vast array of applications, including cell phones, computers, home appliances, industrial, and mining equipment. Nidec is committed to advancing motor technology in an era of robotics and automation.

Responsibilities

• Product Strategy and Portfolio Management:
  • Develop and execute global product strategies aligned with business objectives and target market segments.
  • Define product roadmaps, including new product development, line extensions, and rationalization.
  • Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and customer engagement to identify growth opportunities.
  • Translate application and customer requirements into product specifications and value propositions.
• Product Development Leadership:
  • Lead cross‑functional product development from concept through commercialization.
  • Partner with engineering to ensure technical feasibility, performance, and cost targets are met.
  • Define product requirements, business cases, and success metrics.
  • Ensure validation, testing, and compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
• Global Cross‑Functional Collaboration:
  • Work closely with sales and application engineering teams to support new business opportunities.
  • Collaborate with operations, supply chain, and manufacturing to ensure scalability and product availability.
  • Align with marketing on product positioning, messaging, and customer value communication.
• Go‑to‑Market and Commercial Execution:
  • Develop global go‑to‑market strategies, including pricing, segmentation, and channel approaches.
  • Support sales enablement through training, tools, and customer‑facing materials.
  • Participate in key customer engagements and strategic opportunities.
• Product Lifecycle Management:
  • Monitor product performance through sales data, margin analysis, and customer feedback.
  • Drive continuous improvement, including cost optimization and feature enhancements.
  • Manage lifecycle stages including launch, growth, maturity, and end‑of‑life transitions.
• Voice of Customer & Market Insights:
  • Capture structured feedback from customers, application engineering, and field teams.
  • Maintain awareness of market trends, competitor offerings, and emerging technologies.
  • Use insights to inform product strategy and innovation priorities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field required.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in product management or related roles in automation or industrial systems.
• Experience with geared motors preferred.
• Proven track record of leading cross‑functional initiatives and product launches.
• Experience working in global environments.
• Strong understanding of motion control systems, electric motors, and gearing technologies.
• Proven ability to manage complex product portfolios in global markets.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Customer‑focused mindset with experience supporting application‑driven product development.

Travel

Both domestic and international travel up to 15%.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affiliation

Nidec is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmatively action employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, genetic information, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding your EEO rights as an applicant, please visit: http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf