Technical Product Manager - Market Segment Leader

Technical Product Manager Market Segment Leader at Solugen

Company: Solugen

Position: Technical Product Manager Market Segment Leader

Location: Houston, TX

Position Type: Full Time

Department: Product Management

About Solugen:

Solugen is a groundbreaking technology company on a bold mission to decarbonize the physical world. At the heart of our innovation is the world's first sustainable molecule factory, the Bioforge. This unique manufacturing platform uses a chemienzymatic process to convert plant-derived substances into essential materials that have historically been made from fossil fuels, all with minimal emissions and no hazardous waste. A highly scalable and localized alternative to conventional approaches, the Bioforge enables us to produce a range of high-performance, cost-competitive, and sustainable solutions to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Ready to shape the future? Join us.

Are you passionate about sustainable solutions and combating climate change? We're always on the lookout for dynamic individuals who blend passion with adaptability. You thrive in an environment where curiosity propels you, questions are celebrated, and insights power your work. As a self-starter, you'll embrace the pace and uncertainty of startup culture – that's where the best ideas flourish. At our core, we prioritize safety above all, value respect for others, and consider creative problem-solving a superpower.

Mission:

Solugen is focused on decarbonizing the chemical industry through its BioforgeTM manufacturing platform. The product management team is a key enabler on this journey by driving the commercialization of sustainable products and the execution of go-to-market strategy. Sitting at the interface of commercial technology and operations, the Technical Product Manager leads the curation and translation of the molecule pipeline from Proof of Concept into Sales-Ready Products. This person leads a cross-functional team of product development, marketing, business development, application development, and sales to set segment growth plans and drive their execution. He/she works closely with technical and operations teams to ensure continuous alignment of product roadmaps with market requirements and spearheads the development of operational capabilities to ensure customer needs are met. Through effective leadership and cross-functional collaboration, the Technical Product Manager enables successful product launches and widespread market adoption of Solugen offerings.

Key Outcomes:

• Drives P&L for assigned market segment; responsible for setting and executing go-to-market strategy.
• Drives stage gate projects from deployment of minimum viable product, field testing with alpha customers, launch of sales-ready products, and market adoption and growth with customers.
• Developing strategic product roadmaps informed by market drivers, customer needs, sustainability, competitive dynamics, regulatory requirements, manufacturing capabilities, and overall company strategy.
• Clear translation of voice of customer to R&D and manufacturing teams, highlighting and resolving product issues.
• Evaluating existing products and recommending portfolio improvements, including consolidation and elimination of redundant offerings.
• Enable sustainable growth by balancing short, mid, and long-term product roadmaps that maximize overall profitability.

Key Competencies:

• **Job-Specific:**
• Strong analytical thought process for analyzing product market fit, market approaches, market wants and needs, and measures of effectiveness.
• A curious, creative, self-starter individual who can thrive in a dynamic start-up environment, able to pivot.
• Strong executive presence, excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to handle ambiguity, enjoys working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Resourceful, follows development of competing products and industry trends.
• Excellent customer engagement skills.
• Cross-functional and interdisciplinary leadership.
• Dependable team player, self-starter with a high level of ownership and discipline.
• Skilled in leading multiple complex projects at the same time.
• Affinity for quickly learning about new markets, technologies, and applications.
• **Company-Specific:**
• Ask a lot of questions, be curious, and have insights into your work.
• Be nimble, embrace the speed and ambiguity of startup culture.
• A passion for green chemistry and fighting climate change.
• Ability to self-manage and set your own priorities and schedule.
• Be comfortable working in multiple roles.
• Emphasize safety above all else.
• Respect for others.
• Creative problem-solving.
• Willingness to learn and research new engineering science concepts.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline (bioengineering, polymer engineering, etc.) is a MUST.
• 5-10 years of relevant industry experience encompassing strategic marketing, product innovation, business management, business development, and/or application development. MBA is a plus.
• Leadership experience driving execution with cross-functional teams.
• Experience in business analysis and strategic long-range planning, product line and new business profitability, and cost analysis.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, and Project.
• Must be nimble and able to multitask.
• Able to manage multiple projects.
• Critical thinker who can utilize their experience and quickly draw conclusions based on incomplete data. He/she is not afraid to propose and try new ideas.

Solugen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.