Industry Engagement Product Manager

Industry Engagement Product Manager

Do you want to be a part of something innovative, relevant, and intellectually stimulating that has a meaningful impact? Come join our rapidly growing MxD team as we strive to increase U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing.

About MxD 

MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing as designated by DoD. Visit mxdusa.org to learn more.

MxD is passionate about its people and committed to creating an environment where everyone is heard and respected. Flexible work arrangements and unlimited PTO programs are just a few of the exceptional benefits MxD provides. MxD embodies a strong startup culture with its creative and collaborative working environment, fostering curiosity and innovation.

 Position Overview

The Industry Engagement Product Manager will report to the Director of Industry Engagement. This individual will be responsible for leading and developing a portfolio of product solutions and distributing them through established channels.  The ideal candidate will maintain strong relationships with several key stakeholders, including aerospace and defense manufacturers, and be comfortable distilling complex manufacturer needs into product solutions. This position requires technical expertise to collaborate with technology companies and create high-value offerings for manufacturers.   

To execute this role, the ideal candidate will have experience creating and developing product solutions, program management, and the ability to foster distribution through current marketing channels. Experience with email marketing is highly desired. KPI tracking and program road mapping is essential.

The preferred candidate will be able to work in the office three days per week to collaborate with the Engagement team and meet in person with members.

Position Responsibilities

Relationship Management

• Maintain strong relationships to support retention and expansion of solution offerings to grow and diversify MxD value delivery and revenue streams.
• Ability to lead “voice of the customer” meetings with senior management at stakeholder organizations.
• Identify opportunities, understand market needs, and develop a roadmap strategy.

Product Management

• The Product Manager will play a key role in driving short- and long-term product and category growth, with a focus on new product development and innovation
• This role is responsible for identifying opportunities, analyzing industry and market trends, conducting market research, building business cases, and guiding the creation of products with the right features and specifications to meet customer needs
• The Product Manager will work closely with MxD members, suppliers, customers, and license partners to align product strategies with business objectives and deliver innovation across categories
• Drive new product development and innovation, identifying features, specifications, and technologies that create impactful products for manufacturers.
• Monitor competitors and industry trends to identify areas where MxD can expand or differentiate

Program Execution

• Experience with email marketing and/or program management expertise.
• Ability to program, manage, and keep strict deadlines.
• Ability to translate business needs from the industry and develop engaging and strategic products for program participants.
• Experience in tracking KPIs and developing performance reports for accounts.
• Experience managing budgets and financial performance.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field
• 6 years of experience in account management, product development, and/or client services.
• Experience with digital/email marketing and /or leading communication programs.
• Experience with product development and sales.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; exceptional ability to communicate and present to senior-level staff.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, manage competing priorities, and use good judgment when resolving issues.
• Experience working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong PowerPoint slide design capability and other Microsoft Suite products.
• Expertise with email marketing platforms such as MailChimp, HubSpot, and Constant Contact.
• Experience with manufacturing supply chains, digital manufacturing, or cybersecurity preferred but not required.

How to Apply

Apply online at mxdusa.org/careers by clicking on the link to the position posting and submitting your resume with a cover letter explaining why you would be a great fit for this role and MxD. Tip: Meeting the qualifications is important, but a great cover letter will set you apart!

Work with Us

• MxD is a results-oriented, lean, collaborative tech organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are hard-working, mission-driven, flexible, and work with a sense of urgency. We hire tech-savvy, committed, self-starters who can think outside the box, and have a strong capacity to learn and adapt to the needs of the organization and role, through both skill and grit. All-star employees excel without the help of administrative support, and don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty (figuratively!). Additionally, people who love to solve problems, no matter how big or small, find they are a good fit for MxD.
• Our state-of-the-art facility, located on Goose Island in Chicago (just north of downtown), features a manufacturing floor, several infrastructure testbeds, and a bustling open-office environment. MxD is a collaborative space, hosting many events for our partners and other prestigious organizations, so being able to engage with staff and visitors in a professional, helpful manner is a must.
• MxD is a 10-minute walk from the North and Clybourn Red Line stop, a 20-minute walk from the Division Blue Line stop, and accessible by a variety of other public transit options. MxD partners with ABM transportation to provide a free shuttle from various public transit stops in and around the Downtown Chicago area to MxD. Also, MxD provides free parking for employees.

Flexible Work Policy

• MxD recognizes the importance of providing flexibility for employees to balance work responsibilities with personal obligations and commitments. The specific feasibility of Flexible Work Arrangements is determined by specific roles and supervisors.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, economic circumstance, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor H1B visas currently.

Accommodations Statement

• We recognize that individuals may require different types of accommodations to perform their jobs effectively. We encourage candidates who need accessibility assistance or have specific needs to apply and reach out to us.

Accommodations Include:

• Application Process: If you need assistance with the application process due to a disability or other accessibility needs, please contact our People & Culture department at [email protected]. To the extent possible, we are happy to provide alternative formats for our application materials or support you through the process.
• Interview Process: If you require any accommodations for the interview process, such as assistive technology, modified interview formats, or additional time, please let us know in advance. We are committed to ensuring a fair and accessible interview experience.
• Workplace Accommodations: Once employed, employees can request reasonable accommodations to perform their job duties. This may include adjustments to workstations, flexible scheduling, or other modifications. Please contact the People & Culture department to discuss your needs. We strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.