Product Manager Strategic Buyouts - 18 months (m/w/d)
Summary
Leads Emerson’s global buyout strategy for Motion Control, partnering with suppliers to simplify the portfolio, accelerate time-to-market, and improve cost competitiveness through strategic sourcing and make-or-buy decisions.
As a Product Manager – Strategic Buyouts, you will lead the development and execution of our global buyout strategy across the Motion Control portfolio. You will manage key external partnerships, drive make-or-buy decisions, and enable new product introduction through strategic sourcing.
This role is central to simplifying the portfolio, accelerating time-to-market, and improving cost competitiveness. You will work cross-technology and globally with supply chain, engineering, and commercial teams to deliver scalable, profitable growth.
This is a highly strategic role combining product management, supplier strategy, and business case ownership
- Manage and develop key buyout partners globally, balancing cost, complexity, and performance
- Build long-term partnership strategies aligned with business objectives
- Lead supplier evaluation, selection, and governance
2. Make-or-Buy Strategy & Business Cases
- Develop and drive make-or-buy decisions across the portfolio
- Build robust business cases (cost, margin, volume, risk) to support decisions
- Partner with finance, sourcing, and engineering to validate assumptions
3. Portfolio Development via Buyouts
- Enable new product development through strategic buyouts
- Identify gaps in the portfolio and propose external sourcing solutions
- Drive SKU simplification and harmonization
4. Product Lifecycle & Performance
- Ensure successful launch and lifecycle management of buyout products
- Track performance (revenue, margin, adoption) and adjust strategy
- Act as subject matter expert for buyout portfolio
5. Volume Transitions & Execution
- Lead volume transitions to selected partners
- Secure alignment between sourcing, operations, and commercial teams
- Mitigate risks (quality, supply continuity, cost evolution)
6. Cost Leadership & Simplification
- Drive cost reduction initiatives through sourcing and design-to-value
- Contribute to portfolio simplification initiatives (SKU reduction, platforming)
- You are a strategic and impact-driven product leader with a strong ability to operate in complex, cross-functional environments. You combine commercial acumen, technical understanding, and supply chain awareness to deliver tangible business outcomes.
- Strong strategic mindset with global perspective
Ability to manage complexity and drive decisions across stakeholders
- Entrepreneurial, proactive, and results-oriented
Comfortable influencing without authority in a matrix organization
Willing to challenge status quo and propose creative solutions
Degree in Engineering, Business, or related field
Significant experience in Product Management, Sourcing, or Strategy
Strong experience working with external partners / suppliers
Proven ability to build business cases and financial models
Experience in Factory Automation / Motion Control / Industrial products
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Fluent in English and German
Willingness to travel (~20%)
Background in global supply chain or sourcing
Familiarity with make-or-buy and outsourcing strategies
Experience in large, matrix organizations
At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results.
We place great importance on your development, which is why we want to ensure that at Emerson you not only find a role, but also a work environment that encourages and supports you. To ensure that you grow not only professionally but also personally, we offer a wide range of attractive employee benefits:
Competitive monthly compensation based on collective agreement
Company cafeteria offering fresh and healthy meals daily
On-site medical consultations and employee counseling services
Discount on the Deutschlandticket
Attractive sports and leisure activities through our Hansefit program