Product Development Manager

Overview

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The Product Development Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for driving product development, project management, and strategic business initiatives. This position ensures adherence to project timelines, contributes to product innovation, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions. The role offers remote work flexibility but requires occasional on-site presence to support key initiatives and maintain effective collaboration.

• Oversee project plans, timelines, and deliverables with internal and external resources.
• Lead technical projects, providing guidance to engineers and technicians as needed.
• Ensure successful execution and documentation of all project phases.
• Identify and contribute to new product and product enhancement opportunities.
• Research, design, and develop new products or processes, ensuring cost optimization and competitive value.
• Perform or facilitate product installation, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Analyze test data to ensure products meet performance and functional specifications.
• Collaborate with customers, distributors, vendors, and suppliers to initiate designs and solve problems.
• Promote team growth through coaching, mentoring, and performance reviews.
• Encourage innovative problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Gather and share competitive market information regarding pricing, products, and trends.
• Administer department budgets and ensure adherence to financial goals.
• Maintain compliance with ISO standards and the division’s quality management system.
• Ensure adherence to safety and ergonomic standards in all work environments.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced degrees (e.g., Master’s or Ph.D.) may substitute for a portion of experience requirements.
• Strong leadership, sales and customer service skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and design tools; understanding of Lean principles preferred.
• Proven ability to identify waste and develop creative solutions.
• Effective communication skills for collaboration across teams and leadership levels.
• Flexibility, self-motivation, and multitasking abilities in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

• Leadership and Strategic Thinking
• Technical Proficiency and Problem-Solving
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management and Initiative
• Customer Focus

Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and reach as needed. Must occasionally enter production environments with exposure to noise, fumes, moving machinery, and varied temperatures.

Art’s Way is proud to be an EEO employer.

• Director

• Full-time

• Product Management

• Railroad Equipment Manufacturing and Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing