Research & Development (R&D) Manager

TalentSphere Staffing Solutions; Ontario; On-site; CAD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Research & Development Manager to lead innovation in consumer goods. This role involves shaping product strategy, managing a talented team, and driving the development of groundbreaking products. With a focus on collaboration and market analysis, you will ensure the company remains competitive while fostering a culture of creativity. If you're passionate about technology and eager to make a significant impact, this is the opportunity for you. Join a fast-growing team in the Niagara Region and take your career to the next level with exciting challenges and growth potential.

Benefits

25% Bonus

RRSP

Benefits

Relocation Assistance

Qualifications

• 7-10 years in product management from ideation to market launch.
• 5+ years managing a team in product development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the R&D team to foster innovation.
• Develop and execute a winning product roadmap based on insights.
• Manage vendor relationships and oversee contracts.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation Skills

Project Management

Product Management

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Market Analysis

Vendor Management

Team Development

Innovation

Education

University degree in Business

University degree in Marketing

University degree in Electronics Engineering

Tools

Stage Gate System

Job description

Research & Development Manager
Location: Niagara Region, ON – ON-SITE!
Industry: Consumer Goods, E-Commerce
Salary: $115,000 - $130,000 plus 25% Bonus, RRSP, Benefits and many other perks
Relocation Assistance Available!

Why Join Us?
Are you passionate about innovation and cutting-edge product development? Do you thrive in a leadership role, driving the creation of market-leading consumer goods? Join our dynamic team in the heart of the Niagara Region, where your expertise will shape the future of our brand. We’re a fast-growing company looking for a creative and strategic Research & Development Manager to lead our talented team in developing groundbreaking products that captivate consumers. If you're ready to make a significant impact and take your career to the next level, keep reading!

About the Role
As our Research & Development Manager, you’ll report directly to the CEO and play a critical role in shaping our product portfolio. You will lead a talented team of innovators to develop, enhance, and launch products that set us apart in the marketplace. Your expertise in product strategy, market analysis, and vendor management will be essential in driving profitability and maintaining our competitive edge.

Your Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire the Research & Development team, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Set clear departmental goals aligned with corporate objectives and individual KPIs.
• Drive strategic brainstorming sessions to fuel innovation and continuous growth.
• Provide ongoing training, feedback, and professional development opportunities for your team.
• Remove roadblocks to streamline product development and ensure efficient execution.

Product & Category Strategy

• Develop and execute a winning product roadmap based on consumer insights, competitor analysis, and emerging trends.
• Analyze reports, including margin analysis, sales performance, and customer feedback, to make informed strategic decisions.
• Monitor external factors such as market shifts, supply chain dynamics, and product reviews to enhance our product offerings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, to ensure successful product positioning and branding.
• Oversee and manage intellectual property, including patents and trademarks.

New Product Development

• Lead the development and execution of annual product pipelines aligned with business and brand strategy.
• Oversee the end-to-end product development cycle using our Stage Gate System, from concept to post-launch evaluation.
• Ensure safety certifications and compliance are met for each new product.
• Evaluate and implement cutting-edge technologies to enhance product innovation.
• Manage pricing strategies to ensure products are both competitive and profitable.

Vendor & Partner Management

• Identify, onboard, and maintain strong relationships with key vendors, including contract manufacturers, engineering firms, and component suppliers.
• Lead negotiations for cost, terms, and conditions to ensure optimal pricing and quality.
• Oversee and maintain contracts, agreements, and strategic partnerships.

Quality Assurance & Performance Optimization

• Monitor and enhance product quality by analyzing defects and return rates.
• Work closely with the QA team to address complex product performance issues and ensure continuous improvement.
• Oversee the development and execution of quality control protocols to maintain high standards.

What We’re Looking For

• Education: University degree in Business, Marketing, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • 7-10 years in product management, from ideation to market launch.
  • 7-10 years in project management and factory/vendor relations.
  • 5+ years of experience managing a team of 5 or more employees in product development.
  • 5+ years of hands-on vendor management experience.
  • 5+ years working in consumer electronics hardware.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience in strategic pricing and cost management.
• Passion for technology and innovation, with a deep understanding of consumer product trends.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to travel 2-4 times per year to meet with business partners across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe.

This client is looking to hire quickly
job #16632413