Commercial Product Manager

About the role

Proto Labs seeks a Commercial Product Manager to lead injection molding go-to-market execution. This fixed hybrid role operates from Maple Plain, MN, on a U.S.-only basis. The position translates product capabilities into scalable, repeatable commercial frameworks for sales and field teams.

Sales roles connect a company's product with the customers who need it. Representatives research accounts, run demos, handle objections, and close deals. The work is quota driven and moves quickly. Strong sellers combine listening skills with product knowledge and steady follow through. Sales roles reward consistent activity and honest qualification of deals. Most companies use a defined sales process, and reps are trained on it before being left on their own.

Key facts

Requirements

Hold a Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Materials Science or related field).

Bring 3+ years of experience in product management, product marketing, or commercial product roles within a B2B manufacturing or technical environment.

Demonstrate the ability to translate technical capabilities into commercial value propositions and market-facing solutions.

Work effectively across functions with Sales, Marketing, Engineering, and Operations to deliver product and go-to-market outcomes.

Apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills to synthesize customer insights, market trends, and business data into actionable strategies.

Have proven experience building or contributing to go-to-market plans, pricing strategies, or product launches.

Communicate clearly to influence stakeholders and align teams without direct authority.

Nice to have

Prefer an MBA or advanced degree in Business or a related field.

Have direct experience in injection molding or industrial production environments.

Understand value-based pricing, segmentation, and vertical market strategies.

Have experience working within a matrixed, global organization.

Practical notes

This role is U.S.-only due to ITAR regulations; temporary visa holders are not eligible.

The position follows a fixed hybrid schedule with mandatory onsite days Tuesday through Thursday at the Maple Plain headquarters.

Typical interview steps

Sales hiring often includes a role play, a discovery call simulation, and a presentation. Candidates may be asked to pitch a product to a panel or handle a tough objection. Behavioral questions focus on past quota attainment and deal history. Energy and preparation matter. Interviewers often simulate the job in the interview itself, so be ready to run a short discovery call or demo. Practicing your own sales pitch out loud helps.

Good to know

The role focuses on commercializing digital manufacturing capabilities for injection molding through scalable frameworks and playbooks.

Cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Pricing, and Product teams is central to success.

Data-driven refinement of GTM materials and training is an ongoing expectation.

The position uses tools for sales enablement, GTM planning, and market insights to guide commercial decisions.

Questions to ask

Worth asking in any interview: how the team measures success, who the role works with daily, what the onboarding looks like, and what the company is trying to achieve this year. Asking what past hires did well is a strong final question. Keep the list short and pick the questions that matter most to you.

Career growth

Sales careers can move from SDR or associate to account executive, senior AE, manager, and director roles. Some sellers move into partnerships, account management, or revenue operations. Compensation typically mixes a base with commission tied to results. High performers in sales typically move into larger accounts, team leadership, or sales operations. Quota history and references carry the most weight in promotion.