Product Line Manager (PLM)
AFL connects people, companies, and communities with innovative fiber optic solutions. Since 1984, we've grown from a single fiber optic cable to a global portfolio of thousands of products and services. With over $2B in annual revenue and 9,000+ associates worldwide, AFL is a trusted partner to the world's largest telecom providers. We believe our people are our greatest asset. That's why we invest in your growth, development, and successconnecting you to a career with purpose.
What We Offer :
Hybrid office schedule in either Upstate South Carolina or Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
Flexible time off policy
401K with dollar-for-dollar company match (up to 4%)
Tuition reimbursement and professional development programs
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
Career advancement opportunities with a global industry leader
About The Role :
We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Product Line Manager (PLM) to lead our Aerial Cable product line. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of AFL's aerial cable offerings - driving innovation, aligning with market needs, and maximizing profitability. You'll collaborate across Engineering, Sales, Customer Success, Operations, and sister business units to deliver best-in-class solutions that meet the evolving demands of the Energy market.
Key Responsibilities :
Product Strategy & Innovation
- Define and execute the product strategy for the fiber optic aerial cable portfolio.
- Conduct market research and customer analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and product enhancements.
- Develop product roadmaps that align with AFL's strategic goals and customer priorities.
Portfolio & Lifecycle Management
Manage the full product lifecyclefrom concept to retirement.Evaluate product performance, market potential, and competitive positioning to guide investment and prioritization.Lead cross-functional teams through new product development and commercialization.Pricing & Profitability
Establish pricing strategies that balance competitiveness and margin goals.Monitor cost structures and pricing trends to drive profitability and cost optimization.Customer & Market Insights
Partner with Sales and Marketing to gather customer feedback and translate it into actionable product requirements.Conduct segmentation analysis to refine product positioning and go-to-market strategies.Go-to-Market & Sales Enablement
Define product positioning, pricing models, and sales tools to support successful product launches.Collaborate with Marketing and Sales to drive adoption and revenue growth.Competitive Intelligence
Monitor competitor offerings and market dynamics to identify threats and opportunities.Recommend product differentiation strategies based on competitive analysis.Cross-functional Collaboration
Work closely with Engineering, Operations, and Customer Support to ensure seamless product delivery and support.Foster alignment across departments to achieve shared business objectives.Qualifications :
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Marketing, Business, or related fieldMBA preferred8+ years of experience in product management, product marketing, or applications engineeringStrong analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skillsWillingness to travel up to 2530%Preferred Experience :
Deep understanding of fiber optic cable technologies, especially aerial cable applicationsExperience in the telecommunications or electric utility sectorsProven success in managing product roadmaps, NPI processes, and lifecycle strategiesAbility to thrive in a matrixed and global environment