New Product Development Manager

Taylor Commercial Foodservice - Rockton, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Rockton, IL

Machinery Manufacturing

About the position

The New Product Development Manager at Taylor Commercial Foodservice LLC will play a pivotal role in overseeing engineering projects within a manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for guiding the development and execution of new product initiatives, ensuring that all projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget. The successful candidate will manage cross-functional teams throughout the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept through to production. This role requires a blend of strong leadership, project management, and technical skills to drive innovation and efficiency in product development. In this capacity, the New Product Development Manager will develop and manage product roadmaps for assigned product lines, supervising and leading teams of engineers, designers, and technicians. The manager will be tasked with translating customer needs and market trends into innovative and manufacturable product designs, ensuring that final product designs meet both business unit and customer requirements. A key aspect of this role will be championing the use of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodologies to optimize product design, quality, safety, and manufacturability. The manager will conduct thorough design reviews and analyses, including Design of Experiments (DOE) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA). Additionally, they will identify and implement cost-reduction initiatives aligned with Lean Manufacturing principles, manage supplier relationships, and ensure the incorporation of new technologies into product designs. The role also involves developing, communicating, and maintaining project schedules and budgets, as well as creating and delivering technical presentations and reports to communicate product concepts and progress effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage product roadmaps for assigned product lines.
• Supervise and lead cross-functional teams of engineers, designers, and technicians through the product development lifecycle, from concept to production.
• Translate customer needs and market trends into innovative and manufacturable product designs.
• Ensure final product designs meet business unit and customer requirements.
• Champion the use of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodologies to optimize product design, quality, safety, and manufacturability.
• Conduct thorough design reviews and analyses, including Design of Experiments (DOE) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA).
• Identify and implement cost-reduction initiatives aligned with Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Manage supplier relationships and ensure the incorporation of new technologies into product designs.
• Develop, communicate, and maintain project schedules and budgets.
• Create and deliver technical presentations and reports to communicate product concepts and progress.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• 8+ years of experience leading cross-functional engineering teams in a product development environment.
• Proven experience in the design and development of refrigeration systems for commercial food service equipment (a plus).
• Black Belt or Master Black Belt Six Sigma Certification (or equivalent) preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification preferred.
• Strong understanding of DFSS methodologies and their application in product development.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.