Genuine Comfort is a leading distributor of Air Conditioners and Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners across Canada & Mid-North USA. They are seeking an Associate Product Manager to support product initiatives, manage vendor-led developments, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
Responsibilities
- Product development. You will manage Vendor-Led (VPD) and Collaborative Product Developments (CPD) approved by the Director of Product. You will track vendor progress, validate prototypes, and capture/manage tasks in Monday.com (or an equivalent platform). You will take decisive action even when all information isn’t perfectly defined
- Compliance. You will oversee product compliance and certifications (AHRI, Energy Star, ETL, UL, CSA), ensuring timely applications and accurate documentation. You will monitor regulatory updates (e.g., refrigerant transitions, safety codes) to ensure all products meet current standards
- Product knowledge management. You will create and maintain all product-related content, including spec sheets, manuals, submittals, high-resolution product images, and exploded parts views. You will maintain product information in QuickBooks in accordance with established standards. You will design and deliver product training presentations, update and maintain Guru cards, and provide technical assistance across departments. You will maintain high accuracy while completing tasks efficiently; avoid overthinking simple updates
- After-sales quality control. You will work with operations on product clear-outs (sell/scrap decisions) and review damaged items for resolution. You will manage the After-Sales QC process, performing root cause analyses on recurring or high-impact issues. You will collaborate with vendors on corrective actions and secure compensation for defective products. You will retain customer satisfaction by driving quick and effective solutions. You will handle quality issues calmly and practically, escalating clearly when needed
- Market research and analysis. You will research competitor products, pricing, features, and positioning. You will conduct customer and market research (surveys, interviews, secondary data) to identify needs, pain points, and trends. You will provide insights to support Strategic Product Developments (SPD) and innovation opportunities. You will move research forward independently, even when inputs are unclear
- Product testing and evaluation. You will perform physical testing and review of products, including prototype and production models (e.g., PTAC units). You will evaluate performance by turning on units, testing displays and thermostat integration, reviewing aesthetics and part fit, and performing noise testing with handheld instruments. You will document findings in reports and escalate issues to vendors for resolution. You will report findings transparently, including any issues or failures, without softening the message
- Warranty support and coverage. You will be fully trained in warranty and support processes to cover during the absence of the Warranty Lead. You will handle warranty tickets independently when required, ensuring SLA standards are met. You will function confidently as a middle-point, gathering information and communicating resolutions even when not the technical expert
Skills
- Experience in product management or product coordination, ideally within the HVAC, appliance, or other commercial product sectors with technical details
- Comfortable coordinating across internal teams and external vendors
- Managing multiple product initiatives simultaneously
- Contributing to the full product lifecycle
- Taking initiative, driving momentum, and confidently managing ambiguity
- Understanding basic HVAC/mechanical concepts (compressors, airflow, heating/cooling cycles, thermostats, filters, vents)
- Comfortable learning new product categories
- Proactive approach to quality control and issue resolution, including root cause analysis, prototype testing, and compliance oversight
- Familiarity with AHRI, Energy Star, UL, CSA, or ETL standards is a plus
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to track tasks in project management tools (e.g., Monday.com)
- Ability to manage product documentation, compliance files, and technical resources with accuracy
- Ability to analyze data and research independently, providing actionable insights that move projects forward
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to explain technical concepts clearly
- Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external vendors
- Ability to communicate risks and uncertainties openly
- Ability to foster positive relationships and stay calm under pressure
Company Overview
Our mission is simple, deliver comfort consistently through exceptional service and quality products. It was founded in 2010, and is headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, CA, with a workforce of 11-50 employees. Its website is http://www.genuinecomfort.com.
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