Join HARTING! A leader in connectivity products and custom solutions…..
We are seeking a Technical Application Manager in our Product Management Dept. in Elgin, IL. This is a customer-facing technical and commercial role responsible for supporting, positioning, and growing assigned HARTING product lines. Serving as the primary expert for complex technical and application-specific topics on assigned product lines, this role partners closely with sales teams, customers, and global subsidiaries to develop differentiated solutions that drive customer adoption. The position owns the full product lifecycle—including product optimizations, line extensions, and discontinuations—while delivering revenue growth and margin performance. Working cross-functionally with Product Development, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, and Finance, the Technical Application Manager drives product modifications, monitors cost trends, leads cost improvement initiatives, supports product development projects, and enables sales effectiveness through value-based positioning, market and competitor analysis, and internal product training.
To succeed in this role, you will be highly driven to:
- Develop customer value propositions that clearly differentiate HARTING solutions from competitor offerings
- Partner with sales teams and customers to define requirements for product modifications that meet application needs and drive adoption
- Lead and manage product modifications in collaboration with Product Development, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, and Finance
- Provide product management support for product development projects
- Serve as the primary technical resource for complex technical and application-specific inquiries from sales and customers
- Manage the full product lifecycle, including product optimizations, line extensions, and discontinuations
- Achieve revenue and margin targets for assigned product lines
- Monitor manufacturing cost trends and initiate corrective actions as required
- Proactively identify and drive cost improvement opportunities
- Conduct market and competitor analysis for assigned product lines
- Deliver internal product training to sales and commercial teams
Skills and experience to thrive in this role:
- Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from a four-year college or university in an engineering discipline, preferably electrical or mechanical
- 4-8+ years of relevant professional experience
- Proficiency with Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office applications, including presentation software
- Strong analytical and conceptual problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally
- Strong intracultural awareness
- 15–25% travel required
- Valid passport required for periodic international travel
HARTING Americas is a subsidiary of HARTING Technology Group, a German-based global leader in industrial connectivity solutions. We develop, manufacture, and sell the world's most durable and reliable products and solutions for use in Machinery & Robotics, Automation Devices, Rail & Transportation, Intralogistics & Conveyor Systems, Energy, and Datacenter market segments.
As a third generation, family-owned company, with over 75 years of history, we continue to create value and shape the future with technologies for people. You will discover that we work hard – to fulfill our personal, company, and customer goals, and in our commitment to our community with our holiday drives and our paid VTO (Voluntary Time Off). You will also discover that we like to have fun – like when we celebrate the holidays, host theme days and sweater parties, prost to Oktoberfest, and much more!
HARTING USA offers an attractive total compensation package and employee benefits, including:
Compensation:
- HARTING's Total Compensation Structure includes a Base Salary and Bonus Percentage.
- Competitive base salary: $90,000 - $120,000 (commensurate with experience, subject to change dependent on physical location).
- This role is eligible for a 15% discretionary annual bonus.
Benefits:
- 21 days PTO (Paid Time Off) to start – quickly earn more PTO as you stick with us (36 days max).
- Medical, dental, and vision Insurance – several Blue Cross Blue Shield plan options to choose from.
- Company-sponsored life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability – at no cost to employee.
- Paid parental leave, tuition and fitness reimbursement, and a hybrid working policy.
- 401(k) with a 4% dollar-for-dollar match – fully vested upon eligibility!