Engineering/Product Manager

This exciting employment opportunity provides shared responsibilities between two brands within the Bestop Premium Accessories Group : Bestop Aluminess LLC and Bestop MGP Caliper Covers LLC (MGP).

Bestop Aluminess LLC (Aluminess)

Located in Santee, CA, Aluminess is a leader in manufacturing aftermarket products for off-road and overlanding vehicles.

Established in 2001, the company has developed a reputation for outstanding customer service and manufacturing quality aluminum products for trucks, vans, and SUV’s.

Aluminess is proud to offer products that are Made in America and that are designed for strength and utility, providing additional protection for vehicles.

The lighter weight allows for full performance out of suspension and prevents wear and tear on alignment, brakes, and tires.

Aluminess designs, fabricates and welds bumpers, roof racks, and accessories for an ever-growing number of vehicles of various makes and models.

Bestop MGP Caliper Covers LLC (MGP)

Located in Chula Vista, CA, MGP is a renowned manufacturer specializing in aftermarket automotive accessories. Established in 2008 with its invention of the caliper cover, MGP has a long-standing commitment to quality and innovation.

Each MGP Caliper Cover is meticulously engineered using high-grade aluminum and precision CNC machining techniques, ensuring superior fit, durability, and performance.

With our wide array of colors and styles, vehicle owners can customize their vehicle's brake calipers, elevating its aesthetic appeal while maintaining the integrity of the braking system.

MGP Caliper Covers are easy to install, safety-tested, OEM licensed and available with custom designs making them a popular choice among DIYers and professional installers alike.

MGP is located in Chula Vista and Aluminess in Santee. Ability to reliably commute to both locations is required. Local candidates will be given priority, remote applicants welcome.

Key Responsibilities :

Product Strategy and Roadmap

o Define and drive the product vision, strategy, and roadmap aligned with business goals.

o Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends and opportunities.

o Prioritize product features and requirements based on customer needs, market demand, and business objectives.

Product Development

o Lead the product development lifecycle, from ideation and prototyping to production and launch.

o Manage the engineering team to ensure technical feasibility and optimal implementation of product features.

o Manage product backlogs and sprints, ensuring timely delivery of features and updates.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

o Work closely with marketing and sales teams to deliver products that meet quality, time, and budget constraints.

o Serve as the primary point of contact for the engineering team with other departments.

o Facilitate effective communication and collaboration across teams to resolve issues and make critical decisions.

Customer and Stakeholder Engagement

o Engage with customers, stakeholders, and end-users to gather feedback and refine product requirements.

o Present product updates, roadmaps, and strategies to internal stakeholders and leadership team.

o Ensure customer satisfaction by delivering products that provide tangible value.

Technical Leadership

o Provide technical direction and leadership to the engineering team.

o Oversee technical documentation, including design specs, user stories, and release notes.

o Ensure that engineering best practices are followed, including code reviews, testing, and continuous integration.

Performance Tracking and Reporting

o Monitor product performance metrics, such as user adoption, revenue, and customer satisfaction.

o Analyze product data and KPIs to inform future development and feature enhancements.

o Report on product performance to leadership team, highlighting successes and areas for improvement.

Team Leadership and Management :

o Recruit, interview, and onboard new team members.

o Establish clear, realistic sales targets for the team.

o Provide continuous training on sales techniques, product knowledge, and industry trends.

o Track sales performance metrics (e.g., revenue, conversion rates).

o Provide encouragement and support to help team members achieve their individual targets.

o Offer one-on-one coaching and constructive feedback.

o Foster a positive, competitive team culture.

Required Qualifications

Education

o Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

o 5+ years of experience in product management or engineering roles, preferably in aftermarket and / or off-road industries.

o Proven track record of creating and managing successful product launches and leading cross-functional teams.

o Proven track record of leading a team of direct reports.

Skills

o Strong technical background with an understanding of software and hardware development.

o Excellent project management skills, including agile methodologies and sprint planning.

o Proficient in product management tools.

o Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

o Ability to balance technical and business requirements effectively.

o Ability to coach and mentor a team, help team members grow

o A strong degree of creativity and latitude is required.

Preferred Qualifications :

o Experience in aftermarket and / or off-road industries.

o Experience with SolidWorks.

o Knowledge of data analytics and performance tracking tools.

o Familiar with Lean manufacturing and 5S principles and concepts.

o Material properties knowledge.

o Experience with machining processes.