The Toro Company Product Manager Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

The Toro Company, a Minnesota-based leader in the outdoor equipment industry since 1914, specializes in providing innovative solutions for irrigation and lighting to enhance landscapes worldwide.

As a Product Manager at The Toro Company, you will be entrusted with the comprehensive management of assigned product lines throughout their life cycles. Your key responsibilities will include identifying customer needs, leading new product development initiatives in collaboration with engineering teams, and driving the execution of product launch plans. You will also perform competitive analysis, manage product budgets, and collaborate with cross-functional teams such as marketing, sales, and finance to ensure alignment with business objectives. A successful Product Manager at The Toro Company will exhibit strong analytical skills, a customer-driven mindset, and the ability to present technical information clearly to diverse audiences. Familiarity with project management principles, embedded systems, and the irrigation industry will set you apart as an ideal candidate for this role.

This guide will equip you with the insights and knowledge needed to excel in your interview, helping you to articulate your fit for the role and demonstrate alignment with The Toro Company's values and objectives.

The interview process for a Product Manager at The Toro Company is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates are well-suited for the role. The process typically unfolds over several stages, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate's fit within the company and the specific demands of the position.

1. Initial Phone Screening

The first step in the interview process is a phone screening conducted by an internal recruiter. This conversation usually lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your resume, relevant experience, and salary expectations. The recruiter will also gauge your interest in the company and the role, as well as your understanding of The Toro Company's products and market position.

2. Hiring Manager Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates will have a virtual meeting with the hiring manager. This interview dives deeper into your professional background, exploring specific scenarios you've encountered in previous roles. Expect questions that assess your knowledge of product management principles, including embedded systems and object-oriented programming (OOP). The hiring manager will also evaluate your understanding of the company's mission and how your skills align with their needs.

3. Technical Interview

The technical interview is a critical component of the process, where candidates are assessed on their analytical and problem-solving abilities. This may involve discussing product metrics, competitive analysis, and new product development strategies. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical knowledge and how it applies to the role, as well as their ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

4. In-Person Interview

The final stage typically involves an in-person interview with the team. This session may include multiple rounds with different team members, focusing on both technical and behavioral aspects. Candidates may be asked to present a product marketing strategy pitch for a product of their choice, showcasing their creativity and strategic thinking. This is also an opportunity to assess cultural fit and how well you can communicate complex ideas to various stakeholders.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that relate to product management, market analysis, and team collaboration.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Product Lifecycle

As a Product Manager, you will be responsible for managing product lines through their entire lifecycle. Familiarize yourself with the stages of product development, from ideation to launch and beyond. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach each stage, particularly in relation to the irrigation and lighting products Toro offers. Highlight your experience with new product development and how you have successfully navigated similar processes in the past.

Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration

The role requires collaboration with various departments, including engineering, sales, and marketing. Be ready to share examples of how you have effectively worked in cross-functional teams. Discuss your communication strategies and how you ensure alignment among different stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to foster teamwork and drive results across the organization.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Given the emphasis on market analysis and competitive product offerings, be prepared to discuss your analytical skills. Bring examples of how you have used data to inform product decisions, identify market trends, or improve product performance. Highlight your experience with metrics and how you have utilized them to achieve business objectives.

Be Ready for Technical Questions

Since the role involves understanding technical aspects of products, such as embedded systems and product specifications, be prepared to answer technical questions. Brush up on relevant technical knowledge and be ready to explain complex concepts in a way that is accessible to non-technical stakeholders. This will showcase your ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams.

Develop a Product Marketing Strategy

You may be asked to pitch a product marketing strategy during the interview. Choose a product from Toro’s portfolio and outline a comprehensive marketing plan, including target audience, positioning, and promotional strategies. This exercise will demonstrate your understanding of the market and your ability to think strategically about product marketing.

Emphasize Customer-Centric Philosophy

Toro values a customer-driven approach. Be prepared to discuss how you have gathered and utilized customer feedback in your previous roles. Share specific examples of how you have identified customer needs and translated them into product features or improvements. This will illustrate your commitment to delivering exceptional customer value.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenges. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Reflect on past experiences where you faced obstacles and how you overcame them, particularly in product management contexts.

Align with Company Culture

Understand Toro’s commitment to community involvement and employee well-being. Be ready to discuss how your values align with the company’s mission and culture. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to community service or teamwork, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

Practice Your Presentation Skills

Since the role involves presenting to industry professionals and internal teams, practice your presentation skills. Be confident in your ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively. Consider conducting mock presentations to refine your delivery and ensure you can engage your audience.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Product Manager role at The Toro Company. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Product Manager interview at The Toro Company. The interview process will likely focus on your ability to manage product lines, understand market needs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Be prepared to discuss your experience with product development, market analysis, and customer engagement.

Product Management and Strategy

1. What would be your product marketing strategy pitch for a specific product?

This question assesses your ability to think strategically about product positioning and market needs.

How to Answer

Outline your understanding of the product, target market, and competitive landscape. Discuss how you would leverage market research to inform your strategy.

Example

“For the new irrigation controller, I would focus on its energy efficiency and ease of use. My strategy would include targeted marketing campaigns highlighting these features, partnerships with landscaping companies for demonstrations, and leveraging social media to reach environmentally conscious consumers.”

2. How do you prioritize features for a new product?

This question evaluates your decision-making process and ability to balance customer needs with business goals.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to gathering customer feedback, analyzing market trends, and aligning features with business objectives.

Example

“I prioritize features by first gathering customer feedback through surveys and focus groups. I then analyze market trends to identify which features will provide the most value. Finally, I align these features with our business goals to ensure we are meeting both customer needs and profitability targets.”

3. Describe a time when you had to manage a product through its entire lifecycle.

This question looks for your experience in product management and your ability to adapt to different stages of a product's life.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example that highlights your role in each stage of the product lifecycle, from development to launch and beyond.

Example

“I managed a new line of sprinkler systems from concept to launch. I conducted market research to identify customer needs, collaborated with engineering to develop the product, and worked with marketing to create a launch plan. Post-launch, I monitored sales and customer feedback to make necessary adjustments.”

4. How do you handle conflicts within cross-functional teams?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate team dynamics.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing communication and collaboration.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I facilitate open discussions to understand each party's perspective. I encourage team members to express their concerns and work together to find a solution that aligns with our project goals. This approach has helped maintain a positive team environment and keep projects on track.”

Market Analysis and Customer Engagement

5. How do you gather and analyze customer feedback for product improvements?

This question evaluates your methods for understanding customer needs and integrating feedback into product development.

How to Answer

Discuss the tools and techniques you use to collect and analyze customer feedback, such as surveys, interviews, or analytics.

Example

“I utilize surveys and customer interviews to gather feedback on product performance. I also analyze customer support tickets to identify common issues. This data helps me prioritize improvements and ensure our products meet customer expectations.”

6. Can you give an example of how you used market research to inform a product decision?

This question assesses your ability to leverage data in decision-making.

How to Answer

Provide a specific instance where market research influenced your product strategy or development.

Example

“During the development of a new valve product, I conducted market research that revealed a growing demand for smart irrigation solutions. This insight led us to incorporate IoT capabilities into the product, which significantly increased its appeal and market potential.”

7. What metrics do you consider most important when evaluating a product's success?

This question gauges your understanding of product performance indicators.

How to Answer

Discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to product management, such as sales growth, customer satisfaction, and market share.

Example

“I focus on metrics like sales growth, customer satisfaction scores, and market share. These indicators provide a comprehensive view of a product's performance and help identify areas for improvement.”

8. How do you stay informed about industry trends and competitor activities?

This question assesses your commitment to continuous learning and market awareness.

How to Answer

Explain your methods for staying updated on industry trends, such as attending conferences, reading industry publications, or networking.

Example

“I regularly attend industry conferences and subscribe to key publications to stay informed about trends and competitor activities. I also engage with industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn to exchange insights and best practices.”