Product Owner (PLM Solutions Manager) m/w/d

SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGER (ENTERPRISE SOFTWARE & ERP SYSTEMS)  Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits.  We build our own ERP software, and we need a PM to own it. Freeform is in a period of massive scale: factory throughput is increasing exponentially, customer demand is accelerating across every frontier technology vertical, and the complexity of our operations is growing with it. Our parts have unique lifecycle requirements, including digital traceability from raw material to finished product, end-to-end data integrity, and compliance workflows that no off-the-shelf system is equipped to handle. So we built our own.   This platform is the operating system of our factory floor today, and the backbone of a global factory network shipping millions of products to customers worldwide tomorrow. That means the architecture has to be right: flexible enough to move fast and add immediate value, but built to scale without limits as the business grows. The person in this role will be the product owner of that system, shaping its vision, driving its roadmap, and making the foundational decisions that define how Freeform operates at global scale.  This is a rare opportunity to get in on the ground floor and build something with an audacious vision in front of it. If you want to own a consequential software system, work alongside world-class engineers and operators, and leave a lasting mark on a company scaling world-changing technology, this is the role.  Responsibilities: * Formulate product strategy, vision, and roadmaps for our enterprise platform, ensuring we are on the quickest and best path to scale  * Work with business stakeholders across manufacturing, supply chain, finance, and operations to identify pain points, derive solutions, and prioritize the highest-ROI work  * Generate clear, business-grounded requirements documents and translate them into actionable development work for engineering teams  * Architect solutions with long-term scalability in mind, building systems that add immediate value today and grow without architectural constraint as the business expands globally  * Present solutions and obtain alignment from a diverse user community in a clear, concise manner  * Partner closely with software engineers, contributing directly to the codebase using modern AI and developer tooling alongside the engineering team  * Apply strong project management discipline to set and manage expectations, track delivery, and remove blockers  * Analyze feature adoption and business impact post-launch, making data-driven corrective actions to ensure initiatives meet success criteria  * Drive awareness, adoption, and organizational change management around platform capabilities  Basic Qualifications:   * Bachelor's degree  * 5+ years of experience as a software product manager  * Experience working with ERP, MES, PLM, MRP, WMS, QMS, supply chain, or financial systems  * Fluency with modern AI coding tools (e.g. Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot) and ability to contribute meaningfully to a codebase alongside software engineers  Nice to Have:   * Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, or similar technical discipline  * Experience with manufacturing operations, supply chain workflows, or production environments  * Experience architecting data models  * Familiarity with backend web frameworks such as Flask or Django, and frontend frameworks such as React or Next.js, sufficient for informed technical conversations and writing clear requirements  * Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and iterating quickly, building the plane as we fly it  * Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams without formal authority  * Proven track record of defining, documenting, and deploying process change alongside systems capabilities  * Strong communicator who collaborates across disciplines and proactively surfaces blockers and tradeoffs  Location: * Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and production together under one roof. We operate at the center of LA's deep tech ecosystem, surrounded by some of the most ambitious hardware innovation happening anywhere in the country.  * Our fast-paced, cross-functional environment is built on close collaboration, and as such, this role requires full-time onsite presence (five days a week), with very limited exceptions.  Why Freeform? * We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions.  * We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling world-changing technology.   * Benefits   * Significant stock option packages  * 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options)  * Life insurance  * Traditional and Roth 401(k)  * Relocation assistance provided  * Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays  * Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent  * Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette  * Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events  * Compensation   * As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company's current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.  * In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated salary range for this role is $150,000 - $250,000. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact.  * Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Job Summary  This Product Manager II is responsible for managing Phoenix Contact’s protocol conversion, device server and gateway product portfolios for various industrial fieldbus and Ethernet protocols. In this role you will drive product success throughout the complete product lifecycle, from market assessment and product definition through launch, support, enhancement, and discontinuation. This role serves as the primary business owner for these product portfolios, translating market needs and customer requirements into actionable product strategies and development initiatives.  Working closely with customers, sales, engineering, manufacturing, and global product teams, the Product Manager II develops business cases, product requirements, pricing strategies, and go-to-market plans that support business growth objectives. This role utilizes market intelligence, competitive analysis, and customer insights to identify opportunities, improve product performance, and maximize profitability within the assigned portfolio.  Responsibilities  * Manage the complete lifecycle of the Phoenix Contact protocol conversion, device server, and gateway portfolios, including product planning, launch, maintenance, enhancement, and phase-out activities.  * Execute product portfolio strategies aligned with regional and global business objectives.  * Identify market opportunities, customer needs, and emerging trends through market research, customer engagement, and competitive analysis.  * Develop and maintain product roadmaps for the Phoenix Contact protocol conversion, device server, and gateway portfolios.  * Create business cases and product requirements that support new product development initiatives.  * Define product positioning, value propositions, and key differentiators for the Phoenix Contact protocol conversion, device server, and gateway portfolios.  * Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams throughout the product development process.  * Support product development projects by providing business requirements, market insights, and customer feedback.  * Conduct market and competitive analyses to identify opportunities and threats within assigned markets.  * Develop and maintain pricing strategies that support profitability and market competitiveness.  * Prepare product forecasts and support annual business planning activities.  * Monitor product performance, sales trends, profitability, and market share to identify improvement opportunities.  * Coordinate product launches and communicate product information to sales organizations, distributors, and customers.  * Develop product training materials and support sales enablement efforts.  * Manage product change notifications and communicate product lifecycle changes to internal and external stakeholders.  * Investigate product quality issues, coordinate corrective actions, and support continuous improvement initiatives.  * Build and maintain relationships with customers, sales subsidiaries, channel partners, and key stakeholders.  * Represent the company at customer meetings, trade shows, industry events, and training programs.  * Provide guidance and mentorship to Associate Product Managers and less experienced team members as appropriate.  * Support cross-functional initiatives and strategic projects as assigned.  * Perform other duties as assigned by management    Qualifications  * Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field required.    * Minimum of 5-8 years of professional experience in product management, marketing, engineering, business development, or related discipline.  * Proven experience managing products throughout the complete product lifecycle.  * Demonstrated ability to develop product requirements, business cases, and product launch strategies.  * Experience conducting market research, competitive analysis, and customer needs assessments.  * Proven track record of identifying and implementing product improvements that drive business growth and customer value.  * Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.  * Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, sales, and marketing.  * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations.  * Proven ability to make sound business decisions based on market, technical, and financial considerations.  * Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.  * Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority.  * Strong organizational and project management skills.  * Experience supporting product launches and go-to-market activities.  * Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and business analytics tools.  * Knowledge of industrial automation, electrical, electronics, connectivity, or related technical markets preferred.  * Knowledge of industrial automation protocols utilizing ethernet and serial infrastructure.  * Experience working within a global or matrixed organization preferred.  * Demonstrated ability to work independently while effectively collaborating across teams.  * Demonstrates a willingness to collaborate with others, build relationships, and involve others in decision making  * Demonstrates the ability to deliver results by solving or supporting others in solving problems, prioritizing tasks and resources, and focusing on outcomes  * Demonstrates self-awareness and the willingness to learn and grow, accept change, and adapt to evolving work demands  * Demonstrates the ability to drive customer value through strong business knowledge, identifying customer needs, and delivering solutions that maximize value  * Demonstrates a commitment to improvement and innovation by staying ahead of trends, generating ideas, and advancing opportunities  * Demonstrates ownership by making decisions, taking accountability, and driving initiatives forward  Supporting Qualifications  * MBA or advanced degree preferred.  * Product Development and Management Association (PDMA) New Product Development Professional (NPDP) certification preferred.  * Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.  * Experience with Voice of Customer (VOC) methodologies.  * Experience with business intelligence and data analytics tools.  * Knowledge of pricing strategy and portfolio management concepts.  * Experience supporting international markets and global product organizations.  * Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.  * Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement training preferred.  * Experience with standards organizations (IEEE, IEC, etc.)  * Familiarity with industrial automation, energy storage, data centers, or smart infrastructure  Essential Job Functions  * 20–25% travel required, including occasional overseas travel  * Must be able to lift 50 pounds  * Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods (2–4 hours at a time)  * Must be able to work on a computer for extended periods (up to 4 hours at a time)  * Must be able to travel via automobile, train, or plane for up to 10 hours  * Must be able to communicate effectively in verbal and written English  * Regular and on-time attendance  * Required at least three days in the office for Hybrid candidates  Perks & Benefits  Phoenix Contact offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k matching, and a generous time off package. There are also a wide variety of additional benefits available including 16 weeks fully paid maternity leave & 10 weeks fully paid paternity leave, life insurance, short & long-term disability, on-site gym access, health & wellbeing center, on-site café, walking trails, tuition assistance, and more!   #LI-DZ1  Phoenix Contact is committed to the diversity of our employees. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information. If you need special accommodations to access job openings or to apply for a job, please call 717-944-1300 between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM, Eastern Standard Time, Monday – Friday or email HR@phoenixcontact.com.   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notice to Staffing Agencies, Placement Services, and Professional Recruiters: Phoenix Contact has an internal Staffing Department. Recruiters are hereby specifically directed NOT to contact Phoenix Contact employees directly in an attempt to present candidates. Phoenix Contact will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Phoenix Contact, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Phoenix Contact mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Phoenix Contact employees, or to Phoenix Contact’s resume database will be considered Phoenix Contact property. Phoenix Contact will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Phoenix Contact will consider any candidate for whom a Recruiter has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Recruiter free of any charges or fees. Phoenix Contact will not pay a fee to any Recruiter that does not have a signed Phoenix Contact contract in place specific to the position for which the resume was submitted. Recruiting vendor agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Phoenix Contact's Head of People & Organization or his or her designee. No other Phoenix Contact employee is authorized to bind Phoenix Contact to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Recruiters. By submitting a candidate to Phoenix Contact, recruiters agree to be bound and comply with this policy.