Job Listing

Description

Department:    Marketing
Region:           USA
Location:         Seattle
Reports to:      Director Product Management

WatchGuard is moving security forward with its best-in-class, award-winning hardware and software unified threat management appliances, and messaging and content security solutions that provide extensible network, application and data protection. Providing unparalleled network visibility, management and control, WatchGuard solutions are easy to set-up, use and manage, which eliminates the challenges of protecting IT assets, giving businesses more control. WatchGuard’s broad portfolio delivers flexibility and deployment options that let you decide who, what, when, why and how to defend your network using Application Control, WebBlocker, Reputation Enabled Defense, spamBlocker, Gateway AntiVirus, Intrusion Prevention Service, and LiveSecurity.

The Product Manager is responsible for ensuring the achievement of strategic objectives and revenue/margin goals for WatchGuard’s portfolio of single threat management appliances. This individual plays a proactive role in product planning, coordinates product launch and product management activities and is responsible for the appliances throughout their complete lifecycle.

The Product Manager reports to the Director of Product Management, and is responsible for products throughout all stages of their life cycle, from concept to end of life. The Product Manager:

• Is the champion of their product line internally to the company and externally to the outside world.  He/she is responsible for its ultimate financial and market success.
• Ensures continued market viability of the product line throughout the development of new products and enhancements to existing products.
• Plays a key cross-functional coordination role throughout the company in support of their product line.
• Works with a team of Product Managers as required to accomplish goals.

• Manages product portfolio and maintains product roadmap and product strategy.  Champions new product concepts, enhancements to existing products and end of life when required.
• Is responsible for the product management plan, addressing all aspects of the marketing mix for the product line.
• Is product and competitive product knowledge expert.  Monitors industry, market and competitive trends including competitors, competitive product’s features and functionality, pricing and promotions.  Assists sales in closing major end-user opportunities if required.
• Responsible for preparation of Market Requirement Document (MRD) and works with the Program Manager to develop the Product Requirement Document (PRD) for new products.  Gathers product requirements from end users, channel partners, sales, market research and other internal and external sources. 
• Works with engineering management to balance product requirements and development resource constraints to establish achievable product development schedules.
• Responsible for product positioning, key message points and key selling points, ensures accuracy and consistency in positioning and messaging. 
• Approve all software/hardware for release to manufacturing.
• Responsible for product management plans, product-specific business plans, and product launch plans.  Works with others across departments to develop and implement product management activities.  These activities include: messaging, positioning, product packaging, collateral, promotions, advertising, events, public relations, channel marketing and training.
• Responsible for sales forecast (unit and revenue) for product portfolio with support from the Market Analyst.  Monitors production schedules and inventory levels to ensure product availability.
• As part of Product Management team, responsible for product pricing strategy, competitive pricing and promotions.  Works with Sales Operations for non-standard pricing sales opportunities.
• Works with product teams to create and deliver field and partner training.
• Represents product line with press and analysts and at trade shows and conventions.  Support product reviews when necessary. 
• Creates and manages cross-functional teams as required to accomplish objectives and resolve problems.
• General administration and reporting.

• Bachelors degree in engineering or marketing required (MBA desired)
• Five or more years experience in Product Management in the technology industry
• Deep knowledge of network architectures, protocols, and standards, including TCP/IP and IPv6. Experience to include WAN, LAN and/or communications equipment.  Experience with both hardware and software products desirable.  Experience with Internet Security Hardware and/or Software products preferred.
• Knowledge of wireless LAN and broadband (3G/4G) networking desired
• Exposure to the networking and content security sector is highly desired
• Knowledge of networking for virtualized environments desired
• Experience with services product management a plus
• Must be a self-starter with drive, high level of initiative and self-direction.  A problem solver, develops solutions to complex issues
• Must be adept at working in a matrix position where results must be achieved across various departments without line authority.  Comfortable working with all levels of the organization.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills both written and oral.  Must be effective with all levels of the organization.  Must be able to represent the Company externally with partners, customers and end users.
• Experience in support of worldwide distribution that includes distributors, VAR’s, resellers and strategic partners.
• Technical understanding to translate customer application needs to product requirements and to communicate product benefits to the channel and end users.
• Demonstrated experience marketing networking and/or communications equipment to the SME and/or enterprise market. Specific experience with enterprise business-to-business offerings a plus.

WatchGuard is on Seattle Business magazine’s list of Washington’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. Based in Seattle, Washington, with offices worldwide; including Canadian HQ in central Mississauga, Ontario; Tustin, CA; Beijing China; Singapore and The Netherlands, our career advancement opportunities, innovation leadership and entrepreneurial culture make WatchGuard a dynamic, rewarding and fun place to work.   WatchGuard employees consist only of those with the desire to grow, learn, express new ideas, and the motivation to succeed as part of a winning team.  In return, WatchGuard offers competitive salaries, a stock option plan, excellent benefits, flexible working conditions, and outstanding opportunities for professional growth.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to a diverse workforce

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