📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Product Marketing Manager, Urban Security
🔹 Company: Smiths Detection
🔹 Location: Edgewood, Maryland, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, On-site
🔹 Category: Security and Investigations
🔹 Date Posted: May 13, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing the lifecycle of one or more products to achieve maximum revenue, market share, and customer satisfaction
- Leading cross-functional teams to plan, develop, produce, market, sell, deliver, and service products
- Conducting market research and developing product strategies based on findings
- Collaborating with various departments, including Sales, Marketing, Research, Product Development, and Operations
- Ensuring compliance with company health, safety, and environmental policies, as well as applicable export control and security regulations
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to work effectively in a matrix environment. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in product management, with experience in cross-functional team leadership and a market-oriented mindset.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage the lifecycle of one or more products, from concept to planned obsolescence
✅ Initiate and lead cross-functional teams to achieve financial objectives and standards for customer service
✅ Conduct market research and analyze data to inform product development and pricing strategies
✅ Develop and drive value-based pricing strategies across the product portfolio to maximize margin
✅ Provide regular status reports to senior management, customers, and suppliers
✅ Collaborate with Sales to maintain customer relationships and proactively plan product enhancements and future generations
✅ Conduct product evaluations and document results to inform other departments about product modifications and future generations
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong project management skills, as well as the ability to influence people outside of direct reporting relationships.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Post-secondary education in Business, Science, or Engineering is required. An advanced degree is preferred.
Experience: Significant experience in business administration, with a focus on product marketing and cross-functional team leadership is required. Experience in overall product road mapping, dealing directly with customers, and pricing and market research is preferred.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in product management and cross-functional team leadership
- Strong market research and data analysis skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to manage cross-functional teams in a matrix environment and influence people outside of direct reporting relationships
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project. Access and Visio are preferred.
- Knowledge of how data management impacts business processes
Preferred Skills:
- Project management experience
- Experience with pricing and market research tools
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the security and investigations industry, or a related field, may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The compensation for this position ranges from $77,625 to $207,000 per year, depending on factors such as location, skills, job-related knowledge, and experience.
Benefits:
- Healthcare
- 401K Savings Plan
- Company Holidays
- Vacation
- Sick Time
- Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance Program
Working Hours: This position requires a standard workweek of 40 hours, with the possibility of overtime or flexible hours as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the United States. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Smiths Detection is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies, operating in the security and investigations industry.
Company Size: Smiths Detection is a part of Smiths Group plc, a FTSE100 company with around 14,600 colleagues based in 50 countries. The company's security division, which includes Smiths Detection, has approximately 3,000 employees.
Founded: Smiths Detection was founded in 1956 and has since grown into a world-leading provider of detection and screening technologies for the protection of people and assets.
Company Description:
- Smiths Detection is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies, with a focus on protecting society from the threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, and narcotics.
- The company's solutions are used in airports, ports, border crossings, and other high-risk environments around the world.
- Smiths Detection is committed to delivering innovative, high-quality products and services that meet the evolving needs of its customers and contribute to a safer world.
Company Specialties:
- X-ray inspection
- Chemical agent identification
- Explosives trace detection
- Security screening
- Checkpoint security
- Air cargo screening
- Aviation security
- Force protection
- Biological agent identification
- Homeland security
- Border security
- Port security
- Biological threat detection
- Cargo screening
- Mailroom screening
- Open architecture
Company Website: Smiths Detection
ASSUMPTION: Smiths Detection's focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction makes it an attractive employer in the security and investigations industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, requiring significant experience in product management and cross-functional team leadership.
Reporting Structure: The Product Marketing Manager reports directly to the Director of Product Management and works closely with various departments, including Sales, Marketing, Research, Product Development, and Operations.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with the possibility of occasional remote work or flexible hours as needed.
Growth Opportunities:
- Proven performers may have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities or move into senior management roles within the company.
- Smiths Detection's global presence offers opportunities for international assignments and career growth across the business.
- The company provides excellent training and development opportunities to help employees build their careers.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a real impact on the company's success and contribute to a safer world.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Smiths Detection's Edgewood, Maryland office is a modern, professional workspace with a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Office Location(s): 2202 Lakeside Boulevard, Edgewood, Maryland 21040, United States
Geographic Context:
- Edgewood is located in northeastern Maryland, approximately 20 miles northeast of Baltimore and 40 miles northeast of Washington, D.C.
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to major highways and public transportation.
- Edgewood is home to a diverse population and a range of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.
Work Schedule: This position requires a standard workweek of 40 hours, with the possibility of overtime or flexible hours as needed.
ASSUMPTION: Edgewood's convenient location and diverse community make it an attractive place to live and work for candidates considering this role.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- In-depth phone or video interview with the hiring manager and/or other members of the team
- On-site or virtual final interview with senior leadership
- Background check and reference check (if required)
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Product management experience and skills
- Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
- Market research and data analysis skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving and strategic thinking
- Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with product management, cross-functional team leadership, and market research in your interview.
- Demonstrate your understanding of Smiths Detection's products, industry, and market position in your application materials.
- Showcase your ability to work effectively in a matrix environment and influence people outside of direct reporting relationships.
ATS Keywords: Product Management, Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Market Research, Data Analysis, Strategic Thinking, Security and Investigations, Smiths Detection
ASSUMPTION: Smiths Detection's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' skills and fit for the role, as well as their alignment with the company's values and culture.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Access, Visio)
- Market research and data analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Python)
- Product lifecycle management software (e.g., Arena, Jama, Jama Connect)
- Customer relationship management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the candidate's experience and the team's needs.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our business
- Respect: Valuing and appreciating the diversity of our people and the communities we serve
- Ownership: Taking personal responsibility for our actions and their impact on our colleagues, customers, and the wider world
- Customer focus: Understanding and meeting the needs of our customers, both internal and external
- Passion: Committing to our mission of making the world a safer place and driving innovation in our industry
Work Style:
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment
- Matrix organization structure, with a focus on cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
- Dynamic and fast-paced work environment, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation
- Global presence, with opportunities for international assignments and career growth
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Smiths Detection's values, particularly ownership and customer focus?
- How comfortable are you working in a matrix environment and influencing people outside of direct reporting relationships?
- How do you approach continuous learning and professional development in a dynamic work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Smiths Detection's values-driven culture and collaborative work environment make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a challenging and rewarding role in the security and investigations industry.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The dynamic and fast-paced work environment may require candidates to adapt quickly to changes and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
- The role may involve working with diverse teams and stakeholders, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Candidates may need to travel occasionally for business purposes, depending on the company's needs and the candidate's role.
- The security and investigations industry can be subject to regulatory changes and market fluctuations, requiring candidates to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome by candidates with strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Product Marketing Manager vs. Product Manager: While both roles focus on product development and management, the Product Marketing Manager role places a greater emphasis on market research, pricing strategy, and customer relationship management.
- Security and Investigations Industry: Smiths Detection's focus on security and investigations sets it apart from other product marketing roles in industries such as technology, consumer goods, or healthcare.
- Career Path: The Product Marketing Manager role can serve as a stepping stone to senior management positions within the company, with opportunities for international assignments and career growth across the business.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their career goals and preferences when comparing this role to similar positions in other industries or companies.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a product roadmap for a new explosives trace detection system, including market research, technical feasibility studies, and business case analysis
- Conducting a competitive analysis of the security screening market and identifying opportunities for Smiths Detection to differentiate its products and services
- Leading a cross-functional team to launch a new checkpoint security system, including market introduction, pricing strategy, and sales kit development
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse and challenging nature of the Product Marketing Manager role at Smiths Detection.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does Smiths Detection support the professional development and career growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for the Product Marketing Manager role in the first 90 days?
- How does Smiths Detection approach innovation and continuous improvement in its products and services?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working in the security and investigations industry, and how does Smiths Detection address these challenges?
- How does Smiths Detection foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity in its work environment?
ASSUMPTION: These questions can help candidates better understand the role, the company, and the industry, and demonstrate their interest and engagement in the interview process.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on product management, cross-functional team leadership, and market research
- Prepare for your interview by researching Smiths Detection's products, industry, and market position, as well as the security and investigations industry as a whole
- Practice presenting your product management experience and skills, as well as your ability to work effectively in a matrix environment and influence people outside of direct reporting relationships
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the role and ask about the next steps in the hiring process
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
