New Product Development Project Manager

Yellowstone Local; Hickory (KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development and careerAdv

Job summary

MRCOOL is seeking a senior project manager to lead end-to-end New Product Introduction projects for HVAC equipment and accessories. You will develop detailed plans, coordinate stage-gate reviews, and liaise with offshore manufacturing partners to ensure timely tooling, prototyping, and production timelines.

You will collaborate with engineering, sourcing, regulatory, marketing, and sales teams to drive launch readiness, maintain documentation, and manage risks.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of project management experience in product development, engineering, or manufacturing.
• Proven success managing complex, cross-functional projects from concept through commercial launch.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies including PMP, Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid approaches.
• Experience coordinating with offshore manufacturing partners, particularly in China or Southeast Asia.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience using project management software such as Asana, Monday.com, or similar platforms.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects at different stages and keep timelines on track.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end New Product Introduction (NPI) projects from concept through commercial launch for HVAC equipment and accessories.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, milestones, and risk registers.
• Coordinate stage-gate reviews across engineering, sourcing, procurement, quality, regulatory, sales, and marketing teams.
• Manage engineering change orders (ECOs) and ensure project documentation remains accurate and accessible.
• Serve as the primary liaison with overseas manufacturing partners, primarily in China, coordinating tooling, prototypes, sample approvals, and production timelines.
• Partner with procurement and distribution teams to align sourcing schedules, inventory planning, and product launch timelines.
• Track prototype and pre-production samples through testing and validation.
• Prepare and present project updates covering timelines, budgets, risks, and launch readiness to R&D leadership and executive management.
• Maintain project visibility through project management software such as Asana or Monday.com.

Skills

Cross-functional coordination

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Detail oriented

Education

PMP certification

Tools

Asana

Monday.com

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Yellowstone Local is proud to represent MRCOOL, an industry leader in residential and light-commercial HVAC innovation.

If you're the kind of project manager who thrives on bringing innovative products from concept to launch while keeping cross-functional teams aligned and accountable, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

What's in it for You?

• $100,000–$110,000/year + performance incentives are available

• Full-time, exempt position

• Hybrid work environment based in Hickory, KY

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off and company holidays

• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

• Join one of the fastest-growing brands in the residential HVAC industry

Why You'll Love It Here

• Work on cutting-edge residential HVAC products, including DIY mini-splits, heat pumps, and next-generation refrigerant technologies

• Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, compliance, marketing, and executive leadership to drive product innovation

• Play a key role in bringing new products to market through a structured New Product Introduction (NPI) process

• Join a fast-paced, entrepreneurial organization where your ideas and leadership directly influence company growth

• Be part of a values-driven team committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence

Your New Role

• Lead end-to-end New Product Introduction (NPI) projects from concept through commercial launch for HVAC equipment, accessories, and emerging product categories

• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, milestones, and risk registers

• Coordinate stage-gate reviews across engineering, sourcing, procurement, quality, regulatory, sales, and marketing teams

• Manage engineering change orders (ECOs) and ensure project documentation remains accurate and accessible

• Serve as the primary liaison with overseas manufacturing partners, primarily in China, coordinating tooling, prototypes, sample approvals, and production timelines

• Partner with procurement and distribution teams to align sourcing schedules, inventory planning, and product launch timelines

• Track prototype and pre-production samples through testing and validation

• Coordinate product certification and regulatory compliance activities, including UL/ETL certifications, DOE efficiency requirements, EPA regulations, and refrigerant transition initiatives

• Monitor evolving compliance requirements, including refrigerant regulations, tariff changes, HTS classifications, and trade-related updates

• Support documentation for trade compliance and regulatory filings as needed

• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to ensure launch readiness, including product documentation, packaging, training materials, and channel-specific requirements

• Partner with Customer Service and Technical Support teams to develop installation, warranty, and troubleshooting resources

• Work alongside legal partners on intellectual property, patent, and licensing matters related to product development

• Prepare and present project updates covering timelines, budgets, risks, and launch readiness to R&D leadership and executive management

• Maintain project visibility through project management software such as Asana, Monday.com, or similar platforms

• Capture lessons learned and continuously improve product development processes

• This position is based in Hickory, KY with a hybrid work schedule.

• Minimum of 5 years of project management experience in product development, engineering, or manufacturing

• Proven success managing complex, cross-functional projects from concept through commercial launch

• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies including PMP, Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid approaches

• Experience coordinating with offshore manufacturing partners, particularly in China or Southeast Asia

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across technical and non-technical teams

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

• Experience using project management software such as Asana, Monday.com, or similar platforms

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail

• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects at different stages and keep timelines and deliverables on track.

• Demonstrated leadership, accountability, and problem-solving abilities

• Candidates must be able to reliably commute to Hickory, KY from within approximately a one-hour radius.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience within HVAC, home appliances, consumer electronics, or other hardware manufacturing industries

• Familiarity with DOE efficiency standards, UL/ETL certification processes, HVAC regulations, or refrigerant compliance including AIM Act and A2L refrigerants

• Experience with import/export documentation, HTS classifications, or U.S. Customs compliance

• PMP certification or equivalent project management credential

• Experience working in a high-growth, entrepreneurial organization

MRCOOL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. #green