The Product Development Lead is a people-first leadership role as much as it is a program management role. This individual is responsible for building and developing a high-performing product development team, setting a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and lean thinking, while also owning the end-to-end development of new products within Kaas Tailored. This role will partner with our Develop, Integrate, and Build teams to develop products and production standards, release engineering, and ensure products meet customer requirements. They bring the coaching mindset and structured thinking needed to grow their team and move complex programs forward, all in alignment with Kaas Tailored's purpose statement and beliefs.
Essential Functions: - Responsible for the professional and personal growth of the Product Development team. This includes providing timely and constructive feedback, identifying technical skill gaps and putting development plans in place, conducting regular check-ins, supporting compensation reviews, facilitating Kaizen training and mentorship opportunities, and managing performance matters in partnership with HR and Management.
- Leads new product development from concept through launch, including evaluation, feasibility review, and go/no-go decision-making for new product introductions.
- Owns project and portfolio management for new product development initiatives, including planning, research, prioritization, resource allocation, responsibility assignment, and timeline management across multiple concurrent projects to ensure milestones and deliverables are achieved.
- Directs cross-functional technical development efforts, ensuring design optimization, manufacturability, and resolution of technical or production issues.
- Provides clear project communication and reporting, including regular updates on progress, risks, mitigation plans, and overall project health to internal and external stakeholders.
- Drives problem-solving and continuous improvement, applying lessons learned to improve development processes, increase efficiency, and strengthen product development outcomes.
- Serves as the escalation point for technical, schedule, or cross-functional issues that exceed the team's authority, driving timely resolution and communicating outcomes to relevant stakeholders.
- Leads manufacturing integration and production readiness, ensuring smooth implementation into manufacturing lines, effective handoff, and proper training/support for the Production team.
- Supports the PD team in system set-up, including engineering documentation, production plans, and related tooling or process configuration required to successfully launch new products into manufacturing.
- Partners cross-functionally with key internal teams (including Account Management, Purchasing, and Materials Management) to ensure alignment on customer needs, sourcing strategy, material availability, cost targets, and overall project execution.
- Champions continuous improvement within the department through active Kaizen participation, kata coaching and support, and fostering a culture of near-term and long-term problem solving. Encourages the team to pursue tomorrow and day-after-tomorrow thinking as a standard part of how work is approached and improved.
- Sets and maintains clear team culture and expectations, modeling Kaas Tailored's values in day-to-day leadership. Creates an environment where people feel supported, accountable, and motivated to do their best work. Addresses team dynamics and interpersonal issues directly and constructively.
- Ensures 5S compliance and areas are tour-ready at all times.
Qualified applicants have:- A minimum of 5 years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
- Experience in CAD, CNC, upholstery, and sewing knowledge.
- The desire to serve others and lead with humility.
- The desire to make a positive impact within the organization.
- Experience leading a team.
- Willing and able to work in an open office environment.
- Excellent project management skills.
Benefits package includes: Starting wage is $40.00 - $46.50 per hour depending on experience.
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Under 12 months: 1 hour PTO for every 30 worked.
After 1 Year: 70 hours PTO
After 3 Years: 110 hours PTO
After 5 Years: 120 hours + 30 hours paid Holiday during Christmas week
Holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are paid for 10 hours after 1 month of employment.
Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits: Eligible for coverage on the 1st day of the month following completion of 60 days of employment.
Tuition Assistance: Eligible after 6 months of employment.
401(k): Employer match based on the profitability of the company.
Technology Reimbursement: Eligible after 1 year of employment.
Pay Range: $40.00 - $46.50 per hour
