Product Development Specialist

New Product Development Specialist

Location:

Roseville, MN, US, 55113 Position Location Type:
Hybrid Contract Type:
Permanent

The NPD Specialist plays a pivotal role in driving product development and production efficiency. The Specialist independently manages development and production within their assigned product range, leads supplier negotiations, and helps implement cross-functional improvement initiatives. Acting as a key partner to both internal studios and the main point of contact for external suppliers they ensure technical solutions align with organizational objectives and product strategies.

• Scheduling & Production Management
• Independently manage production timelines, ensuring adherence to internal KPIs and timely project completion.
• Collaborate with the studio and factory to optimize efficiency and quality.
• Proactively communicate progress, risks, and solutions with all stakeholders to drive projects to on-time completion.
• Product Development & Studio Support
• Lead the development of projects from studio concept to finished goods, ensuring alignment with the studio's vision, budget, and specifications.
• Serve as the primary technical contact for studios, addressing all technical questions and constraints with constructive discussions.
• Conduct regular reviews with studios to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities across playtypes and product ranges.
• Provide expertise on manufacturing materials and techniques (paper, cardboard, plastic, etc.), ensuring compliance with technical and budgetary requirements.
• Supplier Relations & Strategic Negotiations
• Lead supplier meetings from start to finish, including setting objectives, managing agendas, and conducting reviews.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers in Asia, Europe, and North America leveraging knowledge of industrial constraints for each material and technology.
• Propose pricing and deadline targets for validation and engage in strategic negotiations with significant stakes to optimize cost and delivery timelines.
• Involve suppliers proactively in upcoming projects, fostering innovation and collaboration.
• Order Management & Component Stock Monitoring
• Lead large-scale projects involving advanced coordination of order volumes, complexity, multi-sourcing, and production planning.
• Monitor component stock levels with precision, suggesting production anticipations and adjustments where relevant.
• Ensure accurate tracking and communication of iterations in product specifications and maintain an up-to-date production database.
• Quality Control (QC)
• Define and uphold product quality expectations using detailed product specifications.
• Address QC incidents with suppliers, implementing actionable plans to resolve issues and prevent recurrence.
• Track and report QC KPIs to maintain transparency and drive continuous improvement.
• Strategic Contributions
• Provide leadership in technical discussions, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team.

Position Skills & Qualifications

• Preference for strong experience in plastic injection molding design and/or production.
• Preference for strong experience in printed consumer products or board/card games manufacturing.
• Proven ability to independently manage complex projects and productions.
• Strong technical knowledge of key industry components, including paper, cardboard, and plastic production as well as an understanding of associated industrial constraints.
• Negotiation skills with the ability to manage strategic supplier relationships and propose innovative solutions.
• Proficiency in coordinating multi-faceted projects involving complex planning and multi-sourcing.
• Ability to lead constructive discussions, challenge assumptions, and reach shared solutions with studios and stakeholders.
• Fluent in English, with excellent communication and organizational skills.

Knowledge & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in product development, manufacturing, or project management.
• Expertise in plastic injection molding materials, manufacturing processes, and supplier management.
• Famili…