Director-Products, Fiber Cement Exteriors
Chicago, IL, US, 60601
James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®.
With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.
For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.
Summary
“The Director of Products position exists to lead and manage a $2 billion portfolio, with responsibilities spanning portfolio vision and strategy, product launches, and long-term value creation. This role is highly attractive for long term career advancement as it has the opportunity to shape the company’s direction and impact its future while offering the ability to act as a general manager with P&L responsibility, a critical step for those aiming for executive leadership” - Ankush Agrawal, Senior Director – Products
The Director of Product Management provides strategic and organizational leadership for our Primed fiber cement business, with accountability for long-term growth, profitability, and portfolio health. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Product Management, this role sets product vision and strategy, leads and develops Product Managers, and ensures alignment between product investments and enterprise priorities.
The Director, Product Management operates as a senior business leader, balancing near-term execution with long-term value creation while partnering closely with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and R&D.
What You’ll Do:
- Define and own the multi-year product vision, strategy, and roadmap across the Primed fiber cement business.
- Establish clear strategic priorities and investment frameworks to drive sustainable, profitable growth.
- Ensure portfolio decisions are grounded in customer insights, market dynamics, and financial rigor.
- Own aggregate P&L performance for the portfolio, including revenue growth, margin expansion, and return on investment.
- Partner with Finance and business leadership on long-range planning, annual operating plans, and capital allocation.
- Monitor portfolio performance and proactively adjust strategy to address risks and opportunities.
- Lead, coach, and develop Product Managers.
- Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and development pathways within the Product Management function.
- Build scalable product management processes, tools, and operating rhythms.
- Serve as the senior product partner to Sales, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, and R&D leadership.
- Drive enterprise alignment on product priorities, trade-offs, and execution plans.
- Represent Product Management in executive forums, providing clear recommendations and decision support.
- Oversee major innovation initiatives and ensure disciplined lifecycle governance across the portfolio.
- Ensure product development efforts are scalable, operationally feasible, and aligned with brand and customer promises.
What You’ll Bring:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field required. MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred.
- Experience: 10–12+ years of progressive experience in Product Management, Product Development, or related leadership roles; experience with full P&L ownership strongly preferred; Experience operating in a manufacturing or durable goods environment strongly preferred.
- Skills: Strategic thinking and decision-making capability; advanced financial acumen and project management expertise; executive presence with the ability to influence at the highest organizational levels.
- Travel: Up to 40–50% annually, as business needs require.
What You’ll Receive:
As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $180,000 to $200,000. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.
At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.
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- Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
- Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
- Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
- Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
- Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
- Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
- Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie
James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.
James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago
Job Segment:
R&D Engineer, Supply Chain, R&D, Product Manager, Engineering, Operations, Research, Marketing