New Product Development Manager (Hardware)

CWD; Ontario; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CWD is seeking a New Product Development Manager to lead the NPD team at their Niagara Falls location. The role involves overseeing product development from ideation to launch, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring alignment with corporate objectives. Candidates should have substantial experience in consumer electronics and demonstrate strong leadership, project management, and communication skills. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package and a dynamic work environment.

Benefits

Full comprehensive benefits (dental, medical and eye) 80/20 split-family coverage

Annual Bonus

Annual professional development fund

RRSP Match

Fitness incentives

Team events

50% off on CWD brands

Relocation expense

Qualifications

• Minimum 7-10 years in product development within consumer products.
• 5-7 years of experience managing teams and mentoring.
• Experience with OEM/ODM manufacturers is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and mentor the NPD team, ensuring alignment with corporate goals.
• Manage multiple NPD projects, tracking progress and resolving bottlenecks.
• Communicate with internal stakeholders on project updates.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Negotiation

Communication

Critical Thinking

Education

University degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management software (e.g., ClickUp)

Job description

CWD designs, markets & sells the highest performing consumer electronics that are smart, simple, and stylish. From high fidelity turntables to wireless video connectivity systems, we create innovative products that empower people. Our success is measured in our customer satisfaction ratings and dedicated following. We have been in business since 1961 and our creations can be found in millions of homes. Together in teams, as a company, as a community, we are committed to Creating What’s Different!

CWD is looking for a New Product Development Manager (Hardware)to join our exceptionally talented and collaborative team! Reporting to the Research & Development Manager at our Niagara Falls location, the successful candidate will be responsible for leading the New Product Development (NPD) team, overseeing the product development process from ideation to launch, managing vendor relationships, and driving process improvements to support corporate and departmental goals. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership, project management, and negotiation skills to ensure the successful development and launch of high-quality consumer electronics under our brands, including Fluance, Electrohome, Nyrius, and Magnasonic.

If you are someone that likes a challenge and are continuously striving for excellence, then this is the perfect opportunity for you!

What We Offer:

• Full comprehensive benefits (dental, medical and eye) 80/20 split-family coverage
• Annual Bonus
• Annual professional development fund
• RRSP Match
• Fitness incentives
• Team events
• 50% off on CWD brands
• Relocation expense
  
  

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Oversee and mentor the NPD team, ensuring alignment with corporate and departmental goals
• Empower team members by providing strategic direction and sharing business needs
• Align department goals with individual team KPIs to drive cohesive progress
• Set clear priorities, delegate responsibilities, and ensure adherence to timelines
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams as the key R&D stakeholder in the product launch process
• Identify skill gaps within the NPD team and implement development plans
• Conduct one-on-one feedback sessions and annual performance reviews
• Optimize team efficiency through process improvements and software automation
  
  

New Product Development

• Oversee the product development cycle using a Stage-Gate approach, ensuring smooth transitions through discovery, business planning, development, testing, validation, launch, and post-launch review
• Manage multiple NPD projects simultaneously, tracking progress, resolving bottlenecks, and ensuring critical deadlines are met
• Ensure project documentation is prepared accurately and presented in a timely manner to drive quicker results
• Communicate with internal stakeholders on incoming requests and inquiries related to NPD projects; attend meetings with other stakeholders to communicate critical project updates
• Adapt to unexpected project challenges, ensuring quick decision-making to keep milestones on track
  
  

Vendor Management

• Identify, onboard, and manage business partners, including contract manufacturers, component suppliers, and engineering consultants
• Foster strong, mutually beneficial relationships with key vendors
• Monitor vendor performance to ensure timely delivery, quality compliance, and alignment with project milestones
  
  

Other

• Attend international business trips to meet with overseas vendors and attend trade shows
• Support process improvements by enhancing project tracking, system automation, and dashboard updates
• Perform additional duties as required to support company goals
  
  

Qualifications:

• University degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum 7-10 years in product development within consumer products (mandatory) and electronics (desired)
• 5-7 years of experience managing teams, conducting performance reviews, and mentoring product development professionals
• 5-7 years managing multiple NPD projects with a structured project management process (Stage-Gate or equivalent)
• Experience working with OEM/ODM manufacturers and factories is highly desirable
• Strong negotiation skills, hands-on leadership experience, and a process-oriented mindset
• Exceptional communication and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently
• E-commerce experience is desired
• Willing to travel to business partners in United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Europe and other locations as required (2-4 times per year) as well as industry trades shows (2-4 times per year)
• Experience with ERP systems
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office
• Proficiency using project management software (e.g. ClickUp)
  
  

This is a full-time permanent role working 40 hours a week on-site. Our hours of operation are 8:15am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

If the above interests you, then apply to join our fast paced, creative, and energetic team!

CWD is an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to providing accommodation for people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process, and upon request, will work with qualified job applicants to provide suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs due to disability. Applicants must make their accommodation needs known upon requests for interviews.

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