Product Development Lead

hollis+morris; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design and manufacturing company in Toronto is seeking a Product Development Lead. This person will handle hands-on product development from design to production, ensuring quality and timelines are met. Responsibilities include building prototypes, managing documentation, and supporting production transitions, along with assisting in trade show preparations. Required qualifications include a degree in a design-related field, at least 2 years of experience, and strong fabrication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in building and prototyping products.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent development initiatives.
• Experience in a fabrication or manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Build prototypes and pre-production units based on design documents.
• Support transition of products from R&D into full-scale production.
• Assist in coordinating trade shows and brand events.

Skills

Hands-on fabrication skills

Strong ability to read and interpret technical drawings

Collaborative communication

Proficient in Microsoft Office and 3D modeling software

Education

Degree in a design-related field

Tools

Rhino 3D

SketchUp

Job description

POSITION DETAILS

Purpose

The Product Development Lead owns the hands‑on development of new products, from approved design drawings and specifications through prototype, refinement, documentation, and readiness for scaled manufacturing. This role focuses on building, testing, and documenting products so they can be transitioned from R&D into repeatable full‑scale production while protecting design intent, quality, and timelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Product Development & Prototyping (55%)

• Build prototypes and pre‑production units based on design drawings, specifications and ...
• Plan and execute iterative prototype cycles; identify risks, improvements, and options while ...
• Produce and/or refine technical documentation required for development builds (e.g., shop drawings, build notes, jigs/fixtures requirements, and assembly guidance).
• Source and order development parts/materials required for prototyping and pilot builds (in alignment with approved specs, timelines, and budgets).
• Coordinate with external partners/suppliers as needed for development components and specialty processes.
• Manage timelines and deliverables for active development initiatives and launches.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for each new product to support a clean, consistent handoff to the Production Manager.
• Maintain a defined flexible‑capacity buffer to absorb unplanned development needs without disrupting core work.

Transition Support: R&D to Full‑Scale Production (20%)

• Support the transition of products from R&D into full‑scale production through pilot builds, documentation finalization, and handoff coordination.
• Partner with production leadership to confirm manufacturing readiness, repeatability, and quality standards prior to launch.
• Troubleshoot early‑run manufacturing issues related to new product introductions; propose corrective actions while protecting design intent.
• Ensure critical learnings from prototyping and pilots are captured and incorporated into final documentation and standards.

Trade Shows, Events, and Brand Activations (15%)

• Assist in coordinating planning and execution for trade shows and brand events.
• Confirm fixtures, samples, logistics, and timelines well in advance to minimize last‑minute changes and ensure readiness.
• Coordinate product/sample builds required for shows and photo sessions as directed.
• Target proactive scheduling to support the annual show and activation calendar.

Other (10%)

• Coordinate scheduling, samples, and logistics with relevant internal teams and external vendors/crews as needed.
• Participate in recurring meetings to provide product development updates, risks, and next steps.
• Assist in providing information for sales‑driven requests.
• Perform other duties and tasks as requested by Management to support Company goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree in a design‑related field is considered an asset.
• Minimum 2 years of demonstrated experience building and prototyping products from technical drawings/specifications in a fabrication or manufacturing environment.
• Strong ability to read and interpret shop drawings, sketches, and specifications; translate them into repeatable build processes.
• Hands‑on fabrication skills (woodworking and/or metalworking) and comfort operating shop.
• Strong planning, prioritization, and documentation skills; able to manage multiple concurrent development initiatives.
• Collaborative communication style; able to work effectively with Design and Production leadership to support product handoffs.
• Proficient PC skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, and 3D modelling software such as Rhino 3D and SketchUp.

COMPETENCIES

• Analytical Thinking
• Planning and Organizing
• Professional Maturity & Sound Judgment

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work Environment: The physical environment requires the employee to work the majority of the time inside a shop/manufacturing setting and occasionally outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions.

Physical Demands: Must have ability to move around and will include the ability to stand, bend, push/pull, twist, lift up to 25kg, handling/grasping, kneeling, and occasional driving in automobile as required for business needs.

Mental Demands: Deadline‑driven and fast‑paced; functions of mental effort include active listening, problem solving, data analysis, and decision making. Distractions may come from managers, team members, and vendors whether over the telephone or in person.