Product Line Manager - Protective Fabrics

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow's breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people's lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken's curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

POSITION TITLE

Product Line Manager - Protective Fabrics

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Product Line Manager for Protective Fabrics will lead portfolio management for flame‑resistant, fire service, and workwear fabric product lines, ensuring alignment with market needs and business growth goals. This role drives cross‑functional collaboration to execute product launches, manage innovation pipelines, optimize costs, and strengthen customer and industry relationships. They also oversee market analysis, pricing strategy, product positioning, and performance metrics to maximize revenue and profitability. This position requires up to 25% travel domestically and internationally.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the strategic planning and full lifecycle management for assigned product lines, ensuring alignment with market needs and long-term business growth objectives.
• Manage the innovation and new product development pipeline with R&D, guiding ideation through commercialization and end-of-life transitions.
• Conduct market research, VOC programs, and competitive analysis to identify customer needs, trends, and opportunities for new products or enhancements.
• Develop pricing strategies, value propositions, and product positioning to drive profitable growth and marketplace differentiation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Operations, R&D, and Sales Excellence to deliver seamless product launches, customer support, and ongoing product performance improvements
• Partner with internal teams to lead cost optimization and value engineering initiatives that enhance product competitiveness and profitability.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and industry stakeholders to understand market dynamics and strengthen collaboration.
• Develop business cases for new products and business opportunities, including financial models, market sizing, and risk analyses.
• Monitor key product performance metrics and ensure alignment with revenue, margin, strategic goals, resolve product issues and implement design changes.
• Ensure all products meet required testing, quality, and regulatory compliance standards across the portfolio.

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years in sales, manufacturing or strategy execution
• 5+ years experience in Flame Resistant and Workwear Markets
• Proven experience in managing complex product portfolios and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical skills, with expertise in market research, financial analysis, and strategic decision-making.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategies that achieve business objectives.
• Strong acumen for translating customer into market and product opportunities

QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED

• Deep understanding of workwear and flame retardant garment markets.
• Familiarity with global market dynamics, including regulatory and compliance considerations.
• Experience in sustainability initiatives related to product design and lifecycle management.
• Strategic mindset with a focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions.

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Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To request a reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact TalentAcquisition@milliken.com.