Product Manager, Defense CBRNe

Company Description

Smiths Detection is a global leader in detection and screening technologies for the protection of people and assets, supporting safety, security and freedom of movement in today’s world.

At Smiths Group plc, we apply leading-edge technology to design, manufacture and deliver market-leading innovative solutions that meet our customers' evolving needs, and touch the lives of millions of people every day. We are a FTSE100, global business of around 14,600 colleagues, based in 50 countries. Our solutions have a real impact on lives across the planet, enabling industry, improving healthcare, enhancing security, advancing connectivity and supporting new homes. Our products and services are often critical to our customers’ operations, while our proprietary technology and high service levels help create competitive advantage. We welcome colleagues with a curious mind, who are happy with responsibility, enjoy a challenge and are attracted by the idea of working at a business with an almost 170-year history of innovation, and five global divisions, all experts in their field. We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish and are proud to be a company with values grounded in integrity, respect, ownership, customer focus, and passion.

Job Description

The Product Manager, Defense & CBRNe is responsible for global product lifecycle management of CBRNe detection solutions while supporting growth initiatives in the Defense sector within the Americas. This role requires a blend of technical expertise and market knowledge, ensuring that our products align with mission-critical needs for military and first responder applications. The Product Manager will work closely with Sales, Business Development, Engineering, and Marketing to drive product intelligence, roadmap development, bid support, and full lifecycle sustainment. Success in this role will be measured by profitability, revenue growth, and effective execution of product governance processes.

Responsibilities:

SPECIFIC DUTIES, ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Own and manage the full product lifecycle for global CBRNe detection solutions, from concept to sustainment.
• Develop and execute the product roadmap, ensuring alignment with market needs, customer requirements, and business strategy.
• Conduct market intelligence research, tracking competitors, emerging technologies, and industry trends.
• Support bid development, ensuring that product offerings align with customer procurement requirements and competitive differentiators.
• Define product requirements in collaboration with Engineering & Technology, considering COGS, manufacturability, and operational constraints.
• Lead Product Line Profitability (PLP) governance, delivering gate reviews and driving strategic decision-making.
• Engage with military program offices, DoD stakeholders, and first responder agencies to shape offerings and identify growth opportunities.
• Define Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and use cases for military and emergency response applications.
• Prioritize feature development by determining requirements that win contracts and increase adoption.
• Collaborate with Business Development & Sales to support go-to-market efforts and revenue growth strategies.
• Provide leadership with data-driven recommendations on investments, sustainment, and product evolution.
• Support product sustainment efforts, including VAVE (Value Analysis/Value Engineering), investment recommendations, and product retirement strategies.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, operational, and defense acquisition requirements.
• Travel (~20%) for customer engagements, industry events, and internal team collaboration.
• Other duties assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Training:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related scientific field is required.

Experience:

• 5+ years of product management experience in defense, security, or first responder equipment.

• Led or actively participated in projects encompassing cross-functional teams

• Experience working with DoD procurement processes and government contract requirements.

• Experience engaging with emergency responders, military program offices, or DoD stakeholders.

• Previous military experience in CBRNe operations is a plus.

  Must be eligible to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong understanding of ruggedized CBRNe detection equipment and mission-critical applications.
• Deep knowledge of government funding cycles, acquisition processes, and competitive contracting.