Product Line Manager

Marlen, headquartered in Riverside, MO is recognized as a global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered and innovative food processing equipment and systems.  Our premium products have long set the standard for quality and performance in vacuum stuffing and pumping, portioning, size reduction, thermal processing, and food handling.

Marlen has been trusted by the world’s leading food brands for 70 years. Our world-class Solution Centers strategically located across the globe allow processors to lean on our highly experienced food processing technologists to develop and test unique solutions for your products.  Marlen is a Duravant Company, headquartered in Downers Grove, IL.   Duravant is a global engineered equipment company with manufacturing, sales and service facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

This position description identifies the major responsibilities of this job. It does not include all aspects of the position such as the potential additional duties assigned by supervisors and the requirement for flexibility in helping others for the company's overall benefit.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The position proactively supports and enhances the sales activities for Marlen’s line of batch thermal equipment by supporting the field sales staff with sales collateral, pricing strategies, technical know-how and customer solution development. During the opportunity discovery process, proposal development and order processing, this position provides technical and application support and know-how to the Regional Sales Managers to ensure customer-oriented and technically feasible solutions are quoted. In close cooperation with the Engineering Team this position guides product adaptations and NPD according to established procedures. The position will also occasionally be involved in technical trouble shooting either internally or in the field.

This position may travel up to 25% of the time - mostly for technical and commercial support in the field and occasional trade shows.  Normal business hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm.  Schedule needs to be flexible to accommodate trade show and customer schedules.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works closely with Sales Management and the Regional Sales Manager directly to lead the sales efforts for batch thermal equipment, functioning as the subject matter expert.
• Works in concert with the Vice President - Sales to review RFQ’s to clarify and document technical details prior to commencement of quotation process.
• Manages the profitability of the complete product line. Sets pricing and manages aftermarket business initiatives (spare parts kits, upgrades, etc.).
• Manages and updates price lists as necessary.
• Identifies current competitive solutions and disseminates information internally as appropriate.
• Obtains quantitative details of competitive solutions and needs/demands of the marketplace to establish with high degree of certainty market share information and recommend targeted products, solutions and potential acquisitions.
• Leads new product development activities from a total product lifecycle perspective and stays abreast of all technical developments and improvements from engineering.
• Has intimacy with the current designs and product cost structures. Participates in cost reduction and value engineering covering purchased materials, labor and design.
• Market development activities will include, but not be limited to visits to potential and current customers, Solution Center trials to investigate applications and visits to allied third party suppliers/vendors to coordinate joint market approach.
• Works closely with third party suppliers of supporting technologies to develop complete and profitable solution selling.
• Works with Marketing to develop promotions, sales incentives and advertising campaigns as necessary.
• Coordinates the necessary training of the sales team to support and enhance the sales process for optimal efficiency.
• Identifies new markets, which could benefit from existing technology.
• Communicates clearly and factually with Company senior management team regarding opportunities and threats concerning the product portfolio.
• For selected applications leads the development of product justifications, including return on investment studies and other purchase rationale.
• Researches non-standard application requests in close coordination with Engineering.
• Assists in coordinating sample making and customer demonstrations in-house.
• Attends internal sales meetings and training sessions as required.
• Collaborates with Sales and Engineering to identify and develop technical features and capabilities of batch thermal equipment to provide maximum added value to Marlen customers.
• Attends occasional trade shows to support sales team as well as stay informed of customer expectations and market developments.
• Provides technical expertise and troubleshooting assistance for the Customer Service department to resolve customer issues and opportunities.
• Maintains confidentiality of critical or competitive information.
• Is receptive to on-going coaching and training to further develop professional skill set.
• Other duties as assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EXPERIENCE: 5-10 years meat industry or relevant experience
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution in a business or technical area of study; and two to five years related management or support experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.  Mechanical and electrical aptitudes along with food industry experience a big plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Able to stand, walk, bend, twist and reach with arms and hands. Good visual acuity to see computer screens and read fine print on a variety of reports.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Office and manufacturing environment.

WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY:

• Competitive wages with growth opportunity.
• Shared company-paid premium health benefits with buy-up options.
• Company-paid telemedicine (general medicine) program.
• Company paid Long-term Disability Plan and Basic Life and AD&D.
• 401(k) employer matching plan.
• Three weeks of paid leave and 10 paid holidays.
• Educational Assistance Program that pays for job-related tuition assistance, training, course registration and exam fees (up to $5,250 per calendar year per eligibility requirements).
• Company discount program for you and your family (e.g., concerts, sporting events, health and wellness, travel, gifts and more!).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that assists with guidance on childcare, financial planning, pet care and more.
• Driven Team Members: We have a cross-functional, collaborative environment, focused on delivering results.
• Customer-centric: We have long-standing valued customers and differentiate ourselves by providing them with exceptional services.
• Culture: We are driven by our number one asset, our employees, and their successes!

Marlen International (“Marlen”) maintains a drug-free workplace is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer that evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and other characteristics protected by law. The "EEO is the Law" poster is available at: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should contact Marlen Human Resources Department to request accommodation. In addition to federal law requirements, Marlen complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the Company has facilities. Must satisfactorily pass background check, post-offer drug screen, and physical prior to employment. Marlen participates in E-Verify.