Key Responsibilities
The Sr. Product Development Director will work with the Private Brand group to create new products and enhance current designs. You will provide leadership in expanding the product offering in a wide variety of industrial, furniture, and electrical categories to support the growth and profitability of the overall company. You will lead your team to effectively achieve all aspects of projects from concept to production to delivery and launch leveraging domestic/international suppliers across times zones and cultures. Key responsibilities include cross functional collaboration to define product needs using your understanding the company's product lines and knowledge of product development and sourcing capabilities. You will also create systems and processes to support department objectives and provide input to company-wide goals and objectives.
• Research and develop new projects from concept through production in categories such as Material Handling, Storage & Shelving, Safety, Janitorial & Sanitation, Furniture and Plumbing.
• Work with various team members/departments to apply product and market knowledge to identify, plan, attack, and achieve strategic goals to accelerate and expand our Private Brand offering.
• Present cost saving opportunities and product plans to multiple departments throughout the organization.
• Leverages experience, knowledge and leadership ability to manage a team in all details (branding/packaging/quality/regulatory & safety/intellectual property) of multiple and higher complexity projects and ensure completion within the given timeframe from start to finish.
• Identify low cost, high quality production solutions, with emphasis on worldwide manufacturing and international and domestic sourcing.
• Establish and maintain relationships with external vendors and factories to expedite and improve manufacturing processes.
• Handle daily communication with staff worldwide and work with multiple departments on different initiatives and goals.
• Effectively supervise and develop 3-5 direct report Project Engineers, Managers, Leads and Associates.
Competencies and skills
Bachelor's degree required; Engineering, Industrial Design or Business preferred.
15 years' experience managing worldwide suppliers and vendors.
7+ years' experience in manufacturing or industrial environment.
Prior supervisory, leadership skills required.
Excellent negotiating, organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
Familiarity with international sourcing processes and cross-cultural communications.
Direct understanding of landed cost calculations, worldwide logistics and trade compliance.
Proven ability to navigate product development from concept to completion with an eye for intellectual property clearance, user experience, regulatory considerations and marketing merits.
Proven project management skills: conceptualizing, planning, estimating, analyzing and executing.
Self-motivated and ability to work smart in a fast pace changing environment with cross functional teams to drive results and achieve goals.
Use of ERP systems and common software packages including Word, Excel, PowerPoints, etc.
Knowledge of regulations and standards such as: OSHA, ANSI, NEC, NSF, UL/ETL, BIFMA, etc.
Travel:
Up to 30%; domestic and international
The base pay range for this position will be 200,000 to 260,000 annually. The exact pay will be determined by multiple factors unique to each individual, including years of experience, certifications, and the specific location of the job. Rates may vary in other areas due to differing labor costs.
