Associate Product Manager - Paint Segment

Job Title:  Associate Product Manager – Small Project Paints

Location: Vernon Hills, IL     

Department: Product

Reports To: Megan Newton, Director of Product Management

Direct Reports/Manages others: No

Hybrid Schedule: Our hybrid work environment includes two (2) remote days/week.

Rust-Oleum Corporation is a worldwide leader in protective paints and coatings for both DIY and Professionals. We offer a wide range of products including decorative fashion paints and finishes, durable industrial, roof repair and flooring coatings and, of course, our famous rust-fighting formula that started it all.

Summary: 

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and make an impact? At Rust-Oleum, we don’t just make paint—we create solutions that transform spaces, spark creativity, and empower DIYers and pros alike. As an Associate Product Manager in our Small Project Paints segment, you’ll be at the heart of innovation and growth, helping to shape the future of one of our most dynamic and fast-moving product categories.

In this role, you’ll be both a strategic partner and a hands-on doer. You’ll support the product management team with critical day-to-day operations, while also owning and driving your own projects from concept to shelf. Whether it’s launching a new color line, analyzing market trends, or collaborating with cross-functional teams on packaging updates, your work will directly influence how our products show up in the world.

Responsibilities: 

• Support the product management team as well as lead your own projects; including product enhancements, competitive research, and go-to-market initiatives.
• Assist in managing the product lifecycle—from ideation and development to launch and post-launch analysis.
• Driving new product development activities and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring new ideas to life.

• Strategize, design, develop, launch, and support product campaigns.

• Work with our Creative department to create visually appealing interfaces.

• Participate in market research and market intelligence gathering to ensure understanding of applications, users, competition and market trends.  Analyze and leverage data and insights to develop and formulate product recommendations.

• Evaluate new product opportunities through the stage-gate process, from ideation and concept development through market launch.

• Manage product portfolio to develop and promote new products and optimize and grow existing product lines.

• Monitor and analyze the competitive landscape, business developments and market trends to identify strategic opportunities and ensure product offering is properly positioned.

• Ensuring profitability within the assigned market segments, including supporting the product commercialization process

• Define and develop product positioning, feature specifications, unique selling proposition and pricing strategies.

• Travel is approximately 5% annually for customer presentations, trade shows, etc.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field. This is an entry level role.
• 3+ years of relevant Brand or Product experience (consumer packaged goods preferred).
• Exhibit understanding of the product commercialization process, stage-gate governance and documentation and information sharing needs and protocols.
• Exhibit understanding of retail, independent paint/hardware, and distribution business models.
• Team player who will work well on cross-functional teams including Operations, Finance, Sales, Research & Development, Insights, etc.
• Experience using Power BI and other reporting tools to analyze data, track performance, and communicate actionable insights.
• Self-starter looking to grow their career and further the business.
• Exceptional communication, organization, prioritization, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Passionate problem solver and creative thinker, with ability to learn quickly and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytic and strategic thinking skills, with ability to digest complex information.

Salary Range: $75,000-$95,000 (bonus eligible)

From big benefits to small, we take care of our associates!  After 30 days of employment, you will be eligible for a benefits package that includes medical, dental, life, disability and business travel insurance, flexible spending accounts, EAP, stock purchases and vacation/sick days/parental leave. 

We also offer a 401(k) plan after three months of employment and offer a company match. Associates are vested in the RPM Pension plan after completing five years of service.  Rust-Oleum offers 9 paid holidays and two floating holidays per year.  You are also eligible to earn three weeks of vacation on an annualized basis.

Rust-Oleum is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class