Director, Product Management

Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment and the growth of our people.

When you join Rumpke, you'll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.

This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!

The Director, Product Management is a visionary and strategic leader responsible for developing and managing technology solutions that empower Rumpke's internal business functions. This role provides overall leadership and direction for the product management function, overseeing a team of Platform Managers, Group Product Managers, Product Owners, and Business Analysts aligned to key business domains. The Director defines product strategy, ensures alignment with business objectives, and drives the successful execution of internal IT initiatives. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in product leadership, enterprise technology, and stakeholder engagement, with a proven ability to translate business needs into scalable and impactful solutions.

Responsibilities of Position:

• Define and execute a comprehensive, enterprise-wide product management strategy that supports Rumpke's business growth, operational efficiency, and digital transformation goals
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and direction to a team of Platform Managers, Group Product Managers, Product Owners, and Business Analysts organized across business domains (Shared Services and Operations)
• Establish and champion product management best practices, including Agile methodologies, roadmap planning, backlog prioritization, and user-centered design across all product teams
• Partner with IT and business executives to identify opportunities for technology-driven improvements and align the product portfolio with organizational priorities
• Oversee the full product lifecycle across the portfolio, from ideation and requirements through development, deployment, and continuous optimization
• Serve as a key escalation point and decision-maker for product-related issues, trade-offs, and cross-functional conflicts
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and OKRs to measure product success and portfolio performance, and use data to inform future strategies
• Collaborate with IT leadership (Infrastructure, Development, PMO) to optimize resource allocation and coordinate delivery across the portfolio
• Drive adoption of emerging technologies including AI, automation, and data-driven product management approaches to continuously enhance Rumpke's capabilities
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, security policies, and governance requirements across all product initiatives
• Lead vendor and partner relationships related to key technology platforms (e.g., SAP, Salesforce) in coordination with platform leads
• Act as a thought leader and advocate for digital transformation within the organization, building IT's reputation as a strategic business partner

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position will manage 6-10 employees
• This position will oversee and direct other managers

Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills with demonstrated ability to influence at the executive level
• Proven ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing product management teams
• Strong understanding of software development methodologies, Agile frameworks, and IT project management practices
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution and accountability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Deep experience managing complex, enterprise-scale IT product portfolios spanning multiple business domains
• Proficiency in product management tools
• Data-driven mindset with the ability to use analytics and metrics to drive decision-making and demonstrate value

Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:

• 12+ years of progressive experience in product management, IT, or related functions, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing managers
• Proven track record of leading product management organizations in complex, enterprise-scale environments
• Experience in waste management, logistics, environmental services, or similarly operationally complex industries preferred
• Experience with enterprise software platforms including ERP (SAP), CRM (Salesfore), BI/analytics, and cloud solutions
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field

Physical Requirements in a Regular Workday:

• Rarely working outside in changing temperatures, wet/humid conditions
• Rarely working in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, and other airborne matter
• Continuously sitting
• Frequently standing/walking

Additional Working Conditions/Aspects:

• Ability to travel between offices, as required
• Legally eligible to work in the United States
• Valid driver's license (if applicable)
• Must successfully complete pre-employment testing
• Must be able to read and speak the English language

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.

Rumpke Waste and Recycling is committed to equality in all aspects of employment. It is Rumpke's policy to provide equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.