Product Development Manager

Element6 - Rockton, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Rockton, IL

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

Element6's client is seeking a Product Development Manager to lead engineering projects within a manufacturing environment. This pivotal role involves overseeing the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept through to production, ensuring that all projects are executed on time, within scope, and within budget. The Product Development Manager will be responsible for managing cross-functional teams, which include engineers, designers, and technicians, to drive innovation and efficiency in product development. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of strong leadership, project management, and technical skills, enabling them to effectively guide their teams and foster a culture of collaboration and excellence. In this role, the Product Development Manager will develop and manage product roadmaps for assigned product lines, translating customer needs and market trends into innovative and manufacturable product designs. They will champion the use of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodologies to optimize product design, quality, safety, and manufacturability. Conducting thorough design reviews and analyses, including Design of Experiments (DOE) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), will be essential to ensure that final product designs meet both business unit and customer requirements. Additionally, the Product Development Manager 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. They will also be responsible for developing, communicating, and maintaining project schedules and budgets, as well as creating and delivering technical presentations and reports to communicate product concepts and progress to stakeholders.

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.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Familiarity with advanced product design software and tools.