Product Development Manager

Product Development Manager

Veranda Luxury Pontoons (17B57) – Malvern, AR 72104

Position Type:
Full Time

Reports to:

Nathan Kyzer, VP of Operations

Department:
Research and Development

This role will lead the development of innovative, market-leading products by overseeing product design, engineering, supplier collaboration, and continuous improvement while ensuring quality, regulatory compliance, production efficiency, and on-time product launches.

• Collect and evaluate design input from Marketing, Sales, Ownership, dealers, customers, and industry partners to develop product concepts using CAD models, prototypes, and mock-ups.
• Hire, lead, coach, and develop a high-performing product development team while fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Establish strategic direction, departmental priorities, and performance objectives aligned with company goals.
• Lead cross‑functional product discovery, design reviews, and implementation meetings with Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Sales, Marketing, and Quality.
• Manage multiple product development projects, establish timelines, monitor milestones, identify risks, and ensure successful on‑time product launches.
• Partner with suppliers to define specifications, conduct testing, resolve engineering issues, negotiate OEM pricing, and improve product quality.
• Maintain the accuracy and integrity of Bills of Material (BOMs), engineering masters, and engineering documentation.
• Develop and validate propeller specifications that optimize boat performance, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead product training for manufacturing teams and communicate product changes to key stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement by evaluating production feedback and implementing Engineering Change Requests (ECR/ECN).
• Ensure compliance with applicable USCG, NMMA, ABYC, EPA, and CFR regulations throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Build strong vendor relationships and translate customer and dealer feedback into product improvements.

• Deliver new products on schedule and within project objectives.
• Improve product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Maintain regulatory compliance.
• Reduce engineering change cycle times and support cost‑improvement initiatives.
• Develop a high‑performing engineering team and promote continuous improvement.

Office and manufacturing environment with occasional travel and on‑water product testing as required.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Science/Engineering Field.
• Analytical testing methods and data‑driven reporting skills.
• Maintains NMMA Compliance Specialist certification.
• Excellent spatial reasoning skills.
• Working knowledge of 33 CFR, 40 CFR, and ABYC regulations.
• Product design adherence with 36 CFR in mind.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Appropriate delegation of tasks.