Job Description

Powell Industries, a leading Houston-based manufacturer of custom-engineered electrical power distribution and control equipment, is seeking a strategic and innovative Product Line Manager to own and drive the growth of our ANSI AC Circuit Breakers and Switchgear product line. This high-visibility role encompasses medium-voltage metal-clad and metal-enclosed switchgear, low-voltage switchgear and switchboards, motor control centers, and AC circuit breakers—critical solutions powering industries such as oil & gas, utilities, petrochemicals, renewables, and more.

As the Product Line Manager, you will lead all aspects of the product line's success, from long-term road mapping and breakthrough innovation to new product launches, financial performance, and full lifecycle management. Join a company committed to solving our customers' toughest power challenges with reliable, high-quality engineered solutions.

Essential Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive market situational analysis, including market scope/size, segmentation, customer demographics, industry trends, growth rates, standards, new product activity, and competitive landscape.
• Collaborate with divisions and customers to define and execute 3-year product and technology roadmaps that drive innovation, margin enhancement, and revenue growth.
• Develop business strategies, competitive positioning, and core product values to ensure Powell maintains a differentiated, sustainable competitive advantage.
• Assess customer/end-user needs and market opportunities through qualitative/quantitative research and feasibility studies to identify new products and enhancements.
• Create detailed new product specifications and robust business cases to support development initiatives.
• Lead or influence cross-functional teams (R&D, engineering, manufacturing, etc.) to deliver projects on cost, speed, capital, and quality targets.
• Own the full new product launch process, including internal/external communication, marketing strategies, awareness-building, and revenue achievement.
• Maintain a strong pipeline of potential acquisition targets to support product line and business strategies.
• Provide competitive insights and recommendations on pricing, new introductions, specifications, and positioning; stay close to customers and competition.
• Drive revenue and margin results through product modifications, cost reductions, margin analysis, forecasting, positioning, pricing strategies, advertising, and promotion.
• Manage complete product lifecycle, including development oversight, obsolescence planning, long-term support, and handling of recalls or field issues.
• Establish financial goals, forecasts, and performance tracking for the product line.
• Partner with sales teams by delivering product/application expertise, trade show support, training, strategic account development, technical consulting, competitive strategies, and feature/benefit summaries.
• Lead creation of customized marketing tools (technical catalogues, brochures, sales guides, presentations, articles, press releases, web tools, technical papers) tailored to local market needs.
• Represent Powell on industry standard and code committees to influence and stay ahead of regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in a manufacturing-driven electrical products company.
• 3+ years of experience in product management or product marketing in a comparable industry (e.g., power distribution, switchgear, electrical equipment).
• 1+ years of experience in new product development and cross-functional team environments.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Detailed knowledge of marketing analytics and segmentation techniques.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong engineering and application expertise in relevant markets (medium/low-voltage switchgear, circuit breakers, motor control).
• Advanced financial and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to influence others and build strong cross-functional relationships.
• Exceptional multitasking and attention to detail under multiple priorities.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based in a climate-controlled environment.
• Physical demands include talking, hearing, reaching, keyboard/mouse use, maintaining balance/agility (e.g., stairs), prolonged sitting/standing/walking, typing, and exerting up to 20 lbs of force.
• Approximately 20-30% of travel required (domestic and potentially international).

What Powell Offers

Powell Industries fosters a family-like atmosphere where you can build a rewarding career while contributing to innovative power solutions. We provide competitive compensation, annual bonus eligibility, comprehensive benefits for health and well-being, and flexible work arrangements where possible.

Note: This job description is intended to convey essential functions and requirements; it is not an exhaustive list of all duties/responsibilities.

In our 75+ year history, Powell has always known that our employees are at the heart of our success. Without question, we have the most talented people in all parts of our organization. As a manufacturer, we recruit and hire experienced and knowledgeable applicants to ensure our product is engineered, fabricated, and assembled to customer specifications!
Powell’s culture has and will always be founded in our "can do" attitude. If we can imagine it, we can do it. Become a part of our story and let us help you write yours. Hard work pays off in all our teams, with opportunity for advancement and promotion without sacrificing work-life balance. Successful candidates must have a legal authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis, with only those candidates selected for interview contacted.
Powell offers comprehensive health insurance for you and your family, 401k savings, annual bonus potential, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, company-sponsored wellness programs, and a collaborative work environment.
EOE Protected Veterans/Disability
If you need an accommodation in the hiring process, you may contact 713.378.2685. Application status inquiries will not be accepted in this manner.