Thursday, December 12, 2024

FN America Seeks Vice President, Commercial Products

Overview

  • Job Type: Full-time
  • Location: Columbia, SC
  • Functional Area: Commercial Products

FN America, LLC is a U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal, S.A., a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-quality, reliable firearms for military, law enforcement and commercial customers worldwide. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia with manufacturing operations in Columbia, South Carolina, FN America is passionately committed to providing its customers with a portfolio of FN-branded products, training and support services that enhance user performance and safeguard their lives. For more information, visit us at or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Position Summary

The Vice President, Commercial Products will be responsible for driving the strategic direction and execution of the company’s commercial product portfolio within the firearms industry. This executive leader will oversee the development, marketing, and sales of all commercial firearms products, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure market success and growth. The VP will play a key role in shaping product innovation, expanding the customer base, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, while maximizing profitability and enhancing the company’s brand presence in the competitive firearms market.

Job Duties

  • Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the overall product strategy and revenue for the company’s commercial firearms offerings, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and market trends.
  • Product Portfolio Management: Oversee the full lifecycle of the commercial product portfolio, from concept development through product launch and post-launch analysis. Ensure a robust pipeline of new and updated products to meet evolving consumer needs and industry demands.
  • Market Analysis & Consumer Insights: Lead market research efforts to identify key industry trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape. Use this data to drive product development and position products effectively in the marketplace.
  • Sales & Revenue Growth: Lead the sales, marketing, and product management teams to develop strategies for driving revenue growth. Monitor product performance and adjust strategies to maximize sales, profitability, and market share.
  • Innovation & Product Development: Lead product innovation efforts, ensuring that the company’s products maintain a competitive edge in terms of quality, performance, and features. Work closely with engineering and R&D teams to bring new products to market.
  • Brand Management & Positioning: Develop and execute strategies to strengthen the company’s brand presence and reputation within the commercial firearms market. Ensure that all products adhere to the company’s quality standards and brand values.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Collaborate with the Compliance and R&D teams to ensure all products meet industry regulations and safety standards, including ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms) guidelines, and other federal and state regulations.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with the Engineering, Legal, Manufacturing, and other key stakeholders to ensure seamless product development and go-to-market strategies.
  • Financial Oversight: Develop and manage the commercial product budget, ensuring optimal resource allocation and cost-effectiveness across product lines. Optimize product margins and profitability.
  • Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop the commercial products team, ensuring that key performance objectives are met, and the team has the necessary resources and skills to succeed.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field required. MBA or advanced degree highly preferred.

Experience Requirements

Ten plus years of experience in product management, marketing, or sales within the firearms industry or a related sector (outdoor sports, defense, etc.), with a proven track record of success in leading product development and commercial growth. Five plus years in a senior leadership role, managing cross-functional teams and driving strategic initiatives.

Skills and Competencies

All FN America employees are expected to demonstrate accountability, collaboration, communication, customer focus, and innovation. Additional requirements of this position include:

  • Strong understanding of the firearms industry, including market trends, customer segmentation, and regulatory environment.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to turn market insights into actionable product plans.
  • Excellent business acumen with a strong understanding of business principles, including pricing strategies, cost structures, and revenue models.
  • Excellent financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and managing P&L for product lines.
  • Capable of setting long-term product strategies and align them with the company’s overall objectives, while also anticipating future market changes and demands.
  • Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build relationships with key industry stakeholders.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Proven ability to manage complex projects and initiatives with a focus on results.
  • Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop high-performing teams, fostering collaboration and driving results.
  • Collaborative team player with a proactive and customer service-oriented approach.
  • Passion for firearms and a deep understanding of the culture and consumer base within the industry.

Tools

Strong computer skills, proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, SAP, and Sales Force

Working Conditions

Position is performed in a typical office environment. Position will require domestic and international travel (50%).

All FN America employees have a responsibility to participate in the development of a safe and healthy workplace and to comply with instructions given for their own safety and health and that of others.

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

FN America, LLC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please email HR@FNAmerica.com or call: 803-736-0522. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

If you are interested in applying, please click here to apply online. Applications and/or resumes received via email will not be considered. All applications must be submitted using the online application form.

For more information on FN America and to view other open positions, please visit careers.fnamerica.com.