Universal Forest Products Inc

Product Development Manager

Universal Forest Products Inc$88K — $105K *
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or related field is required.
  • 5-7 years of experience in product development.
  • Proven track record of bringing physical products from concept to market.
  • Experience in structured product development frameworks is key.
  • Strong collaborative skills with engineering and marketing teams.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and development of new product concepts from idea to launch.
  • Translate customer and market insights into compelling product solutions.
  • Evaluate prototypes and design specifications for feasibility.
  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing for successful product development.
  • Facilitate workshops and innovation sessions to drive creativity and process.
  • Conduct consumer validation to ensure product-market fit.
  • Present project updates and recommendations to senior leadership.

Benefits

  • Facilitating a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Opportunities to lead and mentor cross-functional teams.
  • Engagement with diverse teams across R&D, marketing, and engineering.
  • Involvement in shaping consumer-responsive product strategies.
Full Job Description
Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Industrial Designer / Product Development Manage with 5-7 years of experience leading product development and innovation initiatives from concept through commercialization. This role combines product development leadership with innovation process deployment, tool implementation, and organizational capability building.

UFP Innovation is looking for the right candidate with a strong background in Industrial Design, Consumer-Centric Innovation, and Cross-Functional Leadership. The ideal candidate is passionate about helping teams transform ideas into successful products while serving as a leader and trainer of innovation best practices, methodologies, and continuous improvement. This individual will drive adoption of innovation frameworks, facilitate workshops, coach cross-functional teams, and establish repeatable processes that improve the effectiveness and speed of new product development.

Preferred Locations:
  • Cincinnati, OH (Preferred)
  • St. Louis, MO
  • Grand Rapids, MI


Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Lead the design and development of new physical product concepts from opportunity identification through launch.
  • Translate customer needs, market insights, and business objectives into compelling product solutions.
  • Create and evaluate product concepts, prototypes, and design specifications.
  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure design feasibility and commercialization success.
  • Lead projects through structured Innovation and Stage-Gate development processes.
  • Facilitate ideation sessions, design sprints, and innovation workshops.
  • Apply Design Thinking, Lean Innovation, and customer discovery methodologies to identify unmet market needs.
  • Conduct concept testing and consumer validation activities.
  • Support portfolio management and prioritization activities.
  • Partner with Business Leaders, R&D, Engineering, Operations, Marketing, and Commercial teams.
  • Build strong relationships and influence decision-making across multiple levels of the organization.
  • Present concepts, recommendations, and project updates to senior leadership.
  • Conduct customer interviews, ethnographic research, usability studies, and competitive assessments.
  • Translate consumer insights into actionable design and development opportunities.
  • Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, materials, and manufacturing innovations.
  • Provide support for other department projects as needed


Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or closely related field (Required).
  • 5-7 years of product development experience.
  • Experience developing physical products from concept to commercialization.
  • Demonstrated success working within structured product development environments.
  • Experience collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and commercial teams.


About Universal Forest Products Inc

Since 1955, there’s one thing that Universal Forest Products has consistently done: grow. We’ve grown our brand portfolio. We’ve grown our product lines. But, most importantly, we’ve grown our reputation—based on our commitment to grow brands by delivering the absolute best products and service possible. Not only because it’s what you expect, but also because it’s what we demand. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with facilities throughout North America, Universal Forest Products is strategically positioned to deliver a wide variety of products to nationwide retailers that cater to both consumers and contractors. Universal Forest Products is a holding company that provides capital, management and administrative resources to subsidiaries that design, manufacture and market wood and wood-alternative products for the retail, construction and industrial markets. To explore all our products, like our outdoor living products or our framing services for the site-built market or our forming products for concrete construction.

Universal Forest Products Inc Careers

Join the dynamic team at Universal Forest Products Inc, a leader in the wood product manufacturing industry, and propel your career to new heights. As part of our commitment to innovation and leadership, we are continuously seeking skilled professionals eager to drive growth and embrace challenges in a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Why Work with Us?

At Universal Forest Products Inc, you are not just taking a job; you are embarking on a fulfilling career. We offer a range of job opportunities that allow you to utilize your skills, from entry-level positions to leadership roles. Our team is our greatest asset, and we invest in their growth through comprehensive training programs and professional development opportunities.

Explore Our Job Opportunities

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Universal Forest Products Inc offers a variety of career paths in areas such as operations, sales, marketing, and technology. Our internship programs provide a robust foundation for students and recent graduates, offering hands-on experience and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment.

Our Culture and Benefits

At Universal Forest Products Inc, we pride ourselves on a culture that fosters innovation, leadership, and teamwork. We understand that job satisfaction extends beyond the workplace, which is why we offer competitive benefits that enhance the lives of our employees and their families. From health and wellness programs to retirement plans, we ensure our team members are supported both personally and professionally.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career with Universal Forest Products Inc? Explore our current openings and find the position that matches your skills and interests. Our hiring process is designed to be transparent and engaging, ensuring that all candidates can showcase their strengths from the resume submission to the interview stage.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity is integral to our company ethos. Universal Forest Products Inc is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We believe that diversity drives innovation and makes our team stronger.

Develop Your Career

Universal Forest Products Inc is dedicated to the continuous professional development of our employees. With access to cutting-edge training and leadership programs, you can expand your knowledge, enhance your skills, and take on new challenges within the company.

Stay Connected

Don’t miss out on the exciting career opportunities at Universal Forest Products Inc. Stay updated with the latest company news, job openings, and industry insights by joining our career network. Tailor your job alerts to match your career preferences and be the first to know about new positions that fit your profile.

Apply Now

Are you ready to make a significant impact in your career and help shape the future of the wood products industry? Apply today and join a team that values hard work, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. At Universal Forest Products Inc, your future is in your hands.

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Embark on your journey with Universal Forest Products Inc and transform your professional life in a company that values growth, leadership, and diversity.
Learn more about Universal Forest Products Inc
Size
15,000 employees
Market Cap
$4.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$246.7 million
Founded
1955
5 Year Trend
+21.7%
Revenue
$5.1 billion
NASDAQ

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