Product Development Manager

$100,000 - $115,000/Yr

Totaltalent Search Group - Romeoville, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Romeoville, IL

About the position

The Product Development Manager at TotalTalent Search Group is responsible for overseeing the entire product development process from concept to commercialization. This role involves evaluating product submissions, coordinating with various stakeholders, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring product profitability. The manager will also be involved in quality control, pricing strategies, and compliance with government regulations, while maintaining effective communication with sales teams and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate product submissions from inventors.
• Prioritize new projects and manage stage gate progression from concept through commercialization.
• Coordinate packaging, testing, certifications, and merchandising deployment.
• Work with attorneys regarding patents and infringement.
• Maintain market and competitive information for the assigned product category.
• Manage communication with suppliers, including Asian suppliers and agencies.
• Ensure profitability to Contribution Margin for the respective product category.
• Forecast involvement with Sales and Operations and support upgrades in S&OP forecasting models.
• Lead communication of respective product lines to Sales, Customers, Suppliers, and internally to the organization.
• Develop and monitor quality control and assurance processes, coordinating with operations for corrective actions.
• Support Operations in identifying and maintaining a strong supplier base for components and finished goods.
• Responsible for pricing of products within assigned categories, ensuring accuracy of duties and tariffs.
• Review new government legislation impacting product development and maintain a library of required certifications.
• Oversee product testing and ensure compliance with performance and safety requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• Minimum 2+ years of relevant product development experience.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and MS Project.
• Technical orientation with a basic understanding of materials and manufacturing processes, especially metal.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Hands-on approach with willingness to engage on job sites for feedback.
• Results-oriented with strong analytical skills.
• High ethical standards and integrity in the workplace.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a focus on new business opportunities.
• Ability to travel approximately 25% of the time, including international travel to Asia.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in HR sourcing and manufacturing.
• Familiarity with global sourcing, especially within Asia.

Benefits

• Health savings account
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan