Director – Data Center Product Line Management (PLM)

Location: U.S. DC Area

Reports To: Vice President – Product & Channel Management

About NWS

NWS (Network Wireless Solutions) is a digital infrastructure and technology enabler serving the rapidly evolving telecommunications network ecosystem. We specialize in delivering high-performance materials, infrastructure solutions, and services that empower the world's leading connectivity providers, developers, and operators to build the backbone of tomorrow's digital economy.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Data Center Solutions to join our Product Line Management team, reporting directly to the Vice President of Product Management. This role is responsible for NWS's go-to-market strategy for the entire lifecycle of the data center segment product portfolio and complementary services, with a focus on both organic growth and market success, ensuring alignment with business goals and customer needs. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader who understands the fast-paced demands of hyper scalers, developers, integrators.

The ideal candidate will possess hands-on experience with data center technologies, strong leadership and communication skills, and a strategic mindset to ensure alignment with market demands, customer needs, and technological advancements. This role requires extensive travel between our locations throughout the United States and Canada.

Key Responsibilities

Product Strategy and Roadmap Development

• Define and execute the product strategy and roadmap for Data Center segment solutions, considering market trends, customer feedback, and competitive analysis.
• Identify emerging technologies and market opportunities in data center infrastructure, fiber optics, high-speed networking, cloud/data center hardware, and software to enhance the product portfolio and maintain a competitive edge.
• Evaluate and onboard new vendor partnerships, collaborating with marketing teams on vendor roll-out strategies and initiatives.

Product Management

• Manage the product lifecycle from phase-in, phase-out to end-of-life, including stocking positions per product.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (procurement, sales, marketing, customer support) to ensure successful product execution and delivery.

Market Analysis and Competitive Intelligence

• Conduct market research and analysis to identify customer needs, market trends, and competitive landscape within the data center solutions space.
• Utilize insights to make data-driven decisions regarding product positioning and pricing.

Sales & Customer Engagement

• Provide sales teams with necessary tools, resources, and training to effectively position our data center product portfolio.
• Support sales efforts through presentations, technical expertise, and participation in customer meetings.
• Engage with key customers, vendor partners, and industry stakeholders to gather feedback, understand requirements, and identify opportunities.

Financial Performance and Forecasting

• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to product revenue, profitability, and market share.
• Develop forecasts, budgets, and business cases to support product investments and resource allocations.
• Drive product strategy to meet and exceed departmental and corporate revenue targets.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Data Center Product Line Revenue Growth & Gross Margin %
• EBITDA Contribution of Product Line
• Vendor Scorecard Ratings, On-Time Delivery (OTD), Lead Time Accuracy
• Contract Compliance
• New Product Launch On-Time %, Time-to-Market, First-Year Revenue
• Portfolio Rationalization & Roadmap Execution
• Channel Revenue Contribution, VAR Activation
• Forecast Accuracy, Inventory Turns
• Lifecycle Stage Gate Completion & SOP Compliance
• Rebate/MDF Capture vs. Plan
• Financial Performance, Budget Variance, Margin Expansion
• Cross-Functional Project Delivery & Escalation Resolution Time

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field (MBA preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in product management or engineering leadership roles, with at least 5 years focused on data center and digital infrastructure markets with experience in project management, team leadership, and client relationship management.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful go-to-market strategies and achieving sales growth targets.
• Deep understanding of the data center ecosystem, including hyper scalers, developers, integrators, and channel partners.
• Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills with the ability to build trust and influence at all organizational levels.
• Strong technical background in data center best practices, with the ability to disseminate industry standards across internal and external customers
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire others.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality and client satisfaction.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and a passion for driving innovation.
• Demonstrate integrity, respect for others, and ethical behavior.
• Proficient with MS Office suites, and CRM tools.
• Knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management systems is an asset.
• Professional sales experience and understanding of sales and procurement processes is an asset.
• Ability to travel as needed to engage customers and partners.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment
• Chance to make a significant impact in shaping the future of broadband and data center connectivity

NWS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, age, military or veteran status, and other characteristics protected under federal, state, and local law.

Full Benefits