Product Manager

About this role

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.​

  SUMMARY  

The Polyethylene - Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Product Manager is a key member of the Polyethylene Business Unit leadership team with a focus on maximizing the profitability and long-term competitiveness of the LDPE product line. 

This role owns the product portfolio strategy and business performance across a broad range of commercial and operational dimensions, including product mix, pricing, customer portfolio management, inventory optimization, product development prioritization, and long-term business planning.  This position serves as the primary integrator between Sales, Manufacturing, Technology, Supply Chain and Business Leadership to ensure alignment and execution of short-term operating priorities and long-term strategic objectives. 

Success in this role requires strong commercial acumen, economic and margin analysis capabilities, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams to deliver growth in profitability and sustained competitive advantage.   

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   May include, but are not limited to, the following:   Business Leadership & Strategy   • Own and steward LDPE product line P&L performance.  • Lead development and execution of product line business strategies aligned with the overall PE business strategy.  • Develop and maintain a forward-looking view of market dynamics, competitive positioning, supply-demand balances, customer trends, and macroeconomic factors affecting business performance.  • Develop annual and long-range business plans, including volume, pricing, profitability, and strategic initiatives. 

Product Portfolio Management   • Manage the product portfolio to optimize margin, market position, and manufacturing effectiveness. • Lead grade slate management, product development prioritization, and customer/product mix decisions to optimize profitability.    • Partner with Technology, Sales and Marketing to identify and commercialize new products and applications. 

Commercial Excellence   • Establish pricing strategies and provide recommendations based on market conditions, competitive positioning, and value-in-use analysis.  • Collaborate with Sales on customer portfolio strategy, contract structures, and market development opportunities.  • Analyze profitability by customer, product, segment, and market to drive value-based decision making. 

Supply Chain & Operational Integration   • Partner with Supply Chain and Manufacturing teams to balance customer service, inventory, production efficiency, and profitability objectives.  • Participate in S&OP, forecasting, and inventory management processes to balance customer service, profitability, and working capital objectives.  • Support manufacturing performance improvement initiatives and evaluate operational constraints impacting business performance. 

Financial Performance Management   • Monitor and analyze business performance against budget, forecast, and strategic objectives.  • Develop business cases and support investment decisions related to capacity expansions, product development, process improvements, acquisitions, and strategic initiatives. 

Market Intelligence & Business Development   • Maintain comprehensive understanding of polyethylene markets, competitors, customers, applications, and industry trends.  • Evaluate competitive threats and strategic responses. 

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration   • Provide leadership and direction to cross-functional teams supporting the business.  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and fact-based decision making.  • Communicate business strategy, priorities, and performance across organizational levels. 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS   Required   • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Economics, Finance, Chemistry, or related field.   • Minimum 10 years of experience in manufacturing, commercial, technical, business/product management, supply chain, or related roles.  • Strong analytical capability and financial acumen.  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex cross-functional initiatives.    • Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills. 

Preferred   • Experience in polyethylene, polymers, petrochemicals, or related industries.  • MBA or advanced business degree.  • Strong understanding of polyethylene markets, applications, customers, and competitive dynamics.  • Experience in S&OP, strategic planning, and product portfolio management. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT   The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office.  Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.  May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators.  Travel up to 20% including air travel or auto. 

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here. You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.

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