At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead growth in safety products for mining and industrial markets through strategic planning and execution.
- Company: Join United Central, a leader in industrial supply with over 50 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, strong supplier partnerships, and opportunities for impactful work.
- Other info: National travel required; work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safety and operational performance in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree preferred; 6+ years in industrial sales or product management required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Since 1974, United Central Industrial Supply, a SunSource company, has been providing industrial operators throughout North America the components and services they need, when they need them. Our span of product offering, manufacturing partnerships, and our unmatched customer service has been the cornerstone of our success.
We are seeking a highly driven and strategic Safety Product Manager to lead growth across our Industrial Sales & Service business, with a strong focus on mining and heavy industry markets. This role is responsible for defining and executing product, marketing, and sales strategies that drive profitable growth, strengthen supplier partnerships, and elevate field sales effectiveness.
You’ll operate at the intersection of product management, sales leadership, and market strategy—working cross-functionally to build a best-in-class safety offering and expand our footprint in key industrial markets.
Essential Functions
- Strategy & Market Leadership
- Develop and execute a comprehensive safety product strategy and national growth plan across key industrial segments.
- Build a detailed market landscape analysis, including customer segmentation, competitive positioning, and total addressable market.
- Identify and prioritize high-value opportunities to drive revenue and margin growth.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, regulations, and emerging technologies in industrial safety.
- Lead regular business updates, including weekly cadence calls and quarterly reviews.
- Product Management & Supplier Strategy
- Define and expand a complete safety product portfolio aligned to customer applications and market demand.
- Partner with key suppliers to align product roadmaps, drive innovation, and strengthen go-to-market execution.
- Identify product gaps and solutions required to support capital projects and large-scale opportunities.
- Build and manage strategic supplier relationships to maximize performance and collaboration.
- Sales Enablement & Growth
- Partner with Regional Managers and Sales Teams to drive pipeline development and close opportunities.
- Lead sales training, coaching, and targeted planning sessions to improve product knowledge and selling effectiveness.
- Support field teams in solution-based selling—positioning products to solve problems, create value, and displace competitors.
- Participate in joint sales calls, customer visits, and strategic account development.
- Develop and deliver training content, sales tools, and marketing campaign input.
Experience, Education and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Sales, Business, Marketing, or related field is preferred.
- Demonstrated expert level knowledge and experience in industrial safety products, applications, and compliance environments.
- 6+ years of experience in industrial sales / product management focused on safety products and solutions.
- Experience supporting or selling into the mining industry strongly preferred.
- Proven ability to integrate product, marketing, and sales strategies to drive growth.
- Demonstrated success influencing cross-functional teams through collaboration and leadership without authority.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across all levels of the organization.
- High energy, self-motivated, and effective in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
- Valid Driver’s License.
- Ability to travel nationally 50% to 75%.
What Success Looks Like
- Measurable sales growth and market share expansion in safety product lines.
- Increased sales team capability and engagement in safety offerings.
- Strong, productive supplier partnerships driving joint success.
- A clearly defined and executed national safety growth strategy.
Why United Central?
- Industry leader serving mining and industrial markets for 50+ years.
- Unmatched combination of product breadth, technical expertise, and service.
- Strong supplier partnerships and customer relationships built over decades.
- Opportunity to drive real impact in safety, uptime, and operational performance.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D. WE PARTICIPATE IN E-Verify.
Safety Product Manager - Industrial Supply / Mining in Birmingham employer: SunSource
United Central Industrial Supply is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With over 50 years of industry leadership, employees benefit from strong supplier partnerships, extensive training opportunities, and the chance to make a significant impact in safety and operational performance across the mining and industrial sectors. Located in the East or Midwest U.S., this role provides a unique opportunity to engage with diverse markets while enjoying a supportive culture that values growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safety Product Manager - Industrial Supply / Mining in Birmingham
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like SunSource, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Safety Product Manager - Industrial Supply / Mining in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to SunSource specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at SunSource
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with SunSource, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like SunSource value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
