The Product Development Manager is responsible for leading the full lifecycle management of technical products, from concept and development through commercialization and continuous improvement. This role combines product strategy, market analysis, customer engagement, financial management, and cross-functional leadership to drive profitable growth, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.
The successful candidate will serve as the product owner and strategic leader for assigned product lines, partnering closely with engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, sales, and program management teams to deliver innovative products and solutions aligned with business objectives and market needs.
Key Responsibilities
Product Strategy & Lifecycle Management
- Define and execute product vision, strategy, and roadmap for assigned product lines.
- Manage the complete product lifecycle, including concept development, commercialization, market growth, and product sustainment.
- Gather, prioritize, and translate customer and market requirements into actionable product strategies.
- Lead new product development (NPD) initiatives and continuous product improvement efforts.
- Drive portfolio optimization to maximize profitability and customer value.
Financial & Business Management
- Own product-level profit and loss (P&L) performance.
- Develop pricing strategies, cost models, and profitability improvement plans.
- Prepare and present business cases supporting product investments and strategic initiatives.
- Evaluate cost structures and identify opportunities for cost reduction and operational efficiency.
- Support forecasting activities and validate demand planning assumptions.
Market & Customer Leadership
- Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify growth opportunities and emerging trends.
- Assess global market dynamics, supply-demand conditions, and pricing trends.
- Define customer requirements and product value propositions for future product generations.
- Partner with commercial teams to support customer strategy and business development efforts.
- Provide leadership during customer escalations and support resolution activities when required.
Product Development & Program Support
- Lead product development activities through stage-gate or phase-gate processes.
- Define detailed product requirements, specifications, and performance criteria.
- Provide guidance and support to program management teams throughout development and commercialization efforts.
- Review and approve key project deliverables, milestones, and readiness reviews.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, planning, and commercial teams to ensure successful product execution.
- Align stakeholders around product priorities, timelines, and strategic objectives.
- Support decision-making related to manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, packaging, and supply chain challenges.
Change Management & Compliance
- Lead product and process change management activities.
- Review and approve changes impacting customers, operations, or product performance.
- Coordinate customer communication and notification requirements associated with product changes.
- Support customer audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with quality systems, safety standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Business, or a related technical field.
- 5+ years of progressive experience in product management, product development, product line management, or a related function.
- Experience leading new product development initiatives using Stage-Gate or similar product development methodologies.
- Strong business acumen with experience in pricing, costing, forecasting, and profitability management.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and present business cases to senior leadership.
- Experience working within technical manufacturing, industrial, chemical, materials, semiconductor, or related industries.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree or MBA.
- PMP, Six Sigma Green Belt (or higher), or similar certification.
- Experience managing products throughout the full lifecycle from concept through commercialization.
- Experience with product change management and customer-facing communications.
- Knowledge of manufacturing operations, supply chain management, and commercialization processes.
- Experience supporting customer audits, quality systems, and continuous improvement programs.
- Familiarity with CRM, product lifecycle management (PLM), and business intelligence tools.