Job: Product Manager IT Network/Server Backup Systems

Jobing Description

Company Overview

A123 Systems (NASDAQ: AONE) develops and manufactures advanced Nanophosphate lithium ion batteries and energy storage systems for the transportation, electric grid and commercial markets. A123 s high-performance Nanophosphate lithium ion battery technology delivers high power and energy density combined with excellent safety performance and extensive life cycling in a lighter-weight, compact package. The company was founded in 2001 based on novel nanoscale technology initially developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Based in Waltham, Mass., A123 currently employs more than 2,000 people globally.

A123 s growing list of blue-chip customers in the automotive market includes leading passenger car makers (including BMW, GM, Fisker Automotive and SAIC, the largest automaker in China) as well as companies focused on the truck/bus market (including Eaton, Navistar, Smith Electric Vehicles and BAE Systems). A123 is also the leading producer of lithium ion battery energy storage solutions for the electric power grid, where its technology is helping to make ancillary services more efficient and cost-effective while also addressing enabling the increased penetration of renewable energy by addressing the variability of wind and solar power. Customers include AES, Southern California Edison, DTE Energy and Vestas. For additional information please visit www.a123systems.com.

Position Overview
The Product Manager must manage and drive product conceptualization, business case analysis & approval, commercialization, operational performance and life cycle management for assigned product portfolio(s). The Product Line Manager brings the customer and market perspective to the company s product planning, development and commercial management processes -- and maintains a high degree of awareness of competitors and other competing forces throughout all phases.

Responsible for the product planning and execution throughout the product lifecycle, including: gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements, defining the product vision, and working closely with engineering, sales, marketing and support to ensure revenue and customer satisfaction goals are met.

Primary Responsibilities

* Managing the entire product line life cycle from strategic planning to tactical activities
* Drive strategy development and product roadmap in the following ways:
* Identify market, technology, and service trends and resultant business implications; develop product and technology roadmaps that result in advantaged products.
* Collect VOC and translate customer needs into detailed market requirements for new products and services.
* Gather and maintain competitive intelligence through detailed research, including periodical reviews, trade show attendance, attendance at lectures and seminars, review competitor and industry websites, participation in industry associations.

* Driving a solution set across development teams (primarily Development/Engineering, and Marketing Communications) through market requirements, product contract, and positioning.
* Developing and implementing a company-wide go-to-market plan, working with all departments to execute.
* Be an expert with respect to the competition
* Perform product demos to customers
* Develop sales tools and collateral
* Brief and train the sales force at quarterly sales meetings

Specific Skills/Abilities
This accomplished Product Manager will bring deep knowledge of the network/server backup industry from both a products perspective and a customer requirements perspective. You must possess a unique blend of business and technical savvy; a big-picture vision, and the drive to make that vision a reality. You must enjoy spending time in the market to understand their problems, and find innovative solutions for the broader market. You must be able to communicate with all areas of the company. You will also serve as the internal and external evangelist for your product offering, working with the sales channel and key customers.

Education/Experience

* Minimum of 5 years experience as a Product or Program Manager
* Bachelors degree (Masters preferred) in Engineering, Business or related field
* Demonstrated success defining and launching excellent products using Phase-Gate methodology
* 3+ years of experience in a job in the consumer battery market, serving OEM customers
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Ability to clearly communicate complex technical issues
* Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize time with minimal supervision
* Technical background, with experience in batteries highly preferred
* Excellent teamwork skills
* Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams without formal authority
* This position requires travel to customer and non-customer sites in North America, Europe and Asia (>25%).
* Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast paced work environment
* Proficient with Microsoft Office products