Director, Product Development

 

Identifies new product opportunities compatible with corporate goals and objectives.  Directs the evaluation, development and testing of new product concepts to ensure that products being developed are reliable and conform to specifications.  Optimizes technical resources to ensure that products can be produced and marketed in alignment with the overall goals of the company to maximize global branding, market share, contribution margin and ROA contribution. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Works with Marketing to analyze and evaluate proposals for new products from internal and external sources to determine feasibility, cost, resource and timing requirements.
• Sets project objectives, scope, schedule and manpower requirements.  Provides estimated product and project costs for presentation to Management.
• Directs the design and development activities that support OEM customer teams on new product programs.
• Monitors the progress and technical feasibility of all projects to verify they are meeting the scheduled financial and timing commitments.
• Works hand-in-hand with the project engineers to develop design concepts and lead project teams.  Works with project teams to develop their strategic and tactical capabilities.
• Coordinates new product and competitive product testing and evaluation.
• Prepares annual department expense and capital budgets and controls expenses to meet budgeted commitments.
• Ensures that legal records are maintained on patentable processes or designs originating during the course of engineering development work.  Initiates patent applications with patent attorney for innovative new concepts.
• Generates creative ideas for new products and/or improvement to current products.
• Maintains contact with appropriate government agencies, industry and professional associations to acquire information on current technical developments and market requirements.
• Defines performance metrics for new and existing products and coordinates monthly analysis of the performance of these products.
• Conducts the monthly new product development meetings.
• Assists the VP of Engineering/Product Development in developing the engineering strategy.
• Champions the project management culture and process.
• Prepares and maintains NPD resource plan and schedule.
• Performs all other duties as required..

Education, skills and experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in an Engineering discipline from an accredited University.  An MBA or MS degree is desirable. 
• High energy and the ability to multi-task across projects.
• Five years of “hands-on” experience managing an engineering/technical group in positions of increasing responsibility.   Ideal candidate will have experience in the plumbing industry or the field of fluid dynamics with exposure to high volume manufacturing of consumer goods.  Plastic and/or elastomeric part design experience a plus.
• Works well in a cross-functional environment and across all disciplines.
• Must have ability to view issues from a total business perspective.  Must have strong problem solving and time management skills, a results-oriented work ethic and be experienced in strategic planning.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to interface with all levels.
• Must have strong administrative skills including computer proficiency in Microsoft Project, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  Must have working knowledge of engineering software and a good understanding of PLM systems.  Experience with Windchill, ProE and Ansys a plus.
• Capable of standing, walking, bending, stooping, climbing, pushing, pulling and reaching on a frequent basis.
• Able to lift 30lbs on an occasional basis.

 Direct Reports

• Manager, CAE & Technology
• Manager, Test Engineering
• Product Development Engineers

 

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