Product Manager-HVAC/R Tools bei Malco Group (Malco Tools)

Product Manager - HVAC/R Tools

Company: Malco Group (Malco Tools)

Department: Product Management

Reports To: Category Director

Location: Annandale, MN (or remote with Travel as needed).

About The Malco Group:

The Malco Group, formed through Aspen Pumps Group’s acquisition of Malco Tools in October 2024, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality HVACR and building construction solutions. Our portfolio includes trusted brands like Malco Tools, ACE Chemicals, C&D Valve and Veto Pro Pac Bags, delivering innovative tools, condensate pumps, cleaning chemicals, and HVACR system components to trade professionals across North America. Guided by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, we empower HVACR professionals with turnkey solutions to enhance efficiency and performance.

Position Overview:

The Product Manager – HVACR Tools (Malco Tools) will manage the development, improvement, and lifecycle of tools that support the fabrication, installation, and servicing of duct systems, including sheet metal, flexible duct, and fiberboard applications. Reporting to the Category Director, this role is responsible for defining product strategy, driving innovation, and ensuring products meet the evolving needs of HVACR trade professionals. The successful candidate will embody the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) principles, ensuring clarity in vision, accountability, and data-driven decision-making.

Essential Duties:

Vision

• Develop and communicate a clear product vision for ductwork tools, aligning with The Malco Group’s mission to provide innovative, durable, and quality solutions that streamline HVACR installation and service.

Product Strategy & Roadmap

• Define and maintain a product roadmap for sheet metal, flexible duct, and fiberboard tools (e.g., cutting, fastening, bending, crimping, and installation solutions).
• Prioritize enhancements and new product opportunities using trade professional insights, competitive benchmarking, and industry trends.

Product Line Management

• Oversee the full product lifecycle, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Manage product line maintenance activities including line rationalization, SKU optimization, and cost improvements.
• Monitor product performance and implement updates, redesigns, or discontinuations as needed to maximize profitability and customer value.

Market Analysis & Data-Driven Decisions

• Conduct market research to identify opportunities and threats within ductwork tools.
• Track adoption, profitability, and performance using KPIs and scorecards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with engineering, sourcing, operations, marketing, and sales to bring products to market on time and within budget.
• Ensure alignment across teams on execution of the product vision.

Innovation & Product Development

• Manage the ideation, design, and launch of new ductwork tools, incorporating direct feedback from trade professionals.
• Ensure product development processes deliver tools that meet performance standards.

Customer Engagement

• Collaborate with sales and marketing to gather customer insights and support training initiatives.
• Represent the “voice of the customer” to ensure Malco tools meet installer needs.

Accountability & Execution

• Establish quarterly priorities and measurable milestones.
• Report progress in EOS Level 10 Meetings, ensuring deadlines and commitments are met.

Qualifications:

• Experience: 5+ years of product management experience, preferably in HVACR or construction tools. Track record of managing products in a B2B or industrial context.
• Industry Knowledge: Solid understanding of HVACR duct systems (sheet metal, flexible duct, and fiberboard) and the tools used by trade professionals.
• Technical Skills: Ability to collaborate with engineering teams on product design and usability. Experience with PLM tools and processes is a plus.
• Analytical Mindset: Strong ability to analyze market data, customer insights, and product performance metrics.
• Communication & Leadership: Effective communicator with strong collaboration skills across technical and commercial teams.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or related field.
• Travel: Willingness to travel for customer visits, trade shows, and team collaboration (10–20%).

Benefits and Perks:

The Malco Group recognizes the importance of offering comprehensive benefits and perks to its employees, including:

• 401k with company matching.
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Company paid life insurance and paid short-term disability.
• Paid time off