Interview: Hot to manage products

Tobias on products, projects and working in a team

 

Tobias, what are your responsibilities as a product manager for display, touch, and system solutions?

My tasks include selecting and managing suppliers as well as providing technical support to the sales team.

Ideally, sales bring in new customers, and when it comes to development projects, I get involved right from the start. I explain to customers what we do, how we work, and try to win the project for us.

I also handle marketing-related inquiries and, like right now, take on project management for system integration projects. I prepare cost calculations for system development and handle technical customer inquiries – especially in the display area.

When I take over project management, I work closely with our development team – especially in system integration projects, development is almost always directly involved.

I also attend trade fairs and serve as a general point of contact for anything related to Display, Touch, and System Solutions.

 

How did you come to join Elektrosil?

The first time I joined Elektrosil was through our colleague André. He was already working here and recommended me. After four years, I left to gain experience at other companies. At some point, things weren’t going so well at my last job, and since I was still in contact with André privately, he told me that Elektrosil was looking for someone again. I applied, had a meeting with the management – and everything just clicked. I’ve now been back here for three years.

 

Tobias with the Smart Knob.

 

How has your career path developed?

Originally, I started in technical support – back then, the company was structured quite differently. There was one product manager, and each product area had its own technical support, which helped customers with all technical topics. That was probably similar to what other companies call an “FAE” (Field Application Engineer).

Eventually, one or even two product managers in my area left, and I took over the role. At that time, I was responsible for display & touch and embedded systems. We were also selling computer modules in that area – it was a bit different from today. Back then, we primarily operated as a distributor.

Nowadays, we develop complete devices – from the housing to the internal electronics, the software, and the integration of the display. We now have significantly more development capacity than we did back then. While my job title has remained the same, the actual content of my work has changed quite a bit over time.

 

What does a typical workday look like for you?

My day usually starts with checking emails and reviewing what’s on my to-do list – especially anything urgent that needs to be addressed immediately. Then I prioritize: what do I need to tackle first?

A big part of my day involves communication – answering emails, calling colleagues or customers, and handling project management tasks. What exactly needs to be done depends heavily on the current project phase.

If we’re in the final phase of a project, for example, I make sure all required documents are available on time and that they are properly prepared. Day-to-day operations also bring spontaneous challenges – like when a customer has an urgent issue that needs quick support.

Every day is different, but communication and coordination are a major part of my role.

 

What skills are important for a product manager?

A product manager should have solid technical knowledge of the product area they’re responsible for. Strong communication skills are also essential – since you’re constantly in contact with customers, suppliers, and colleagues.

You’re often the central interface between different departments, so being well-organized is key. The ability to work independently and manage your own workload is crucial. A bit of assertiveness also helps – especially when it comes to pushing projects forward or aligning decisions.

 

 

Are there any particular projects or achievements in your career that you’re especially proud of?

During my time here, we’ve completed several exciting projects – especially recently, where we’ve managed to win and successfully complete several key customer projects.

I find it difficult to speak of personal achievements because these successes are always the result of teamwork. Often, you take over a project at a point where a lot of groundwork has already been done, and then you bring it across the finish line together.

At the moment, for example, we have a really interesting project in development – the Smart Knob Mini. It’s a very exciting concept both technically and from a design perspective.

Even though I’m proud to be part of it, I always see my contribution as one piece of a larger team effort.