Product Line Manager Hard Armor

Point Blank Enterprises; Pompano Beach (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading protective systems company in Pompano Beach, Florida is looking for a Hard Armor Product Line Manager to oversee the full lifecycle management of hard armor products. This role requires strong knowledge of NIJ standards and experience in the personal protection industry. The successful candidate will lead cross-functional teams to ensure product quality and compliance, drive strategic initiatives, and manage production processes while delivering high-quality products to customers. Competitive salary range of $60,000 to $75,000.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in product management or production leadership, ideally in the personal protection industry.
• Experience with law enforcement or military stakeholders is highly desirable.
• Must be fluent in English, able to communicate professionally.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full product lifecycle for hard armor.
• Define and execute product strategies based on market demands.
• Ensure compliance with NIJ standards across all products.
• Engage in pre-production planning and production control.

Skills

Product management

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Knowledge of NIJ standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

MBA or equivalent

Tools

ERP/PLM systems

Lean manufacturing tools

Six Sigma

Job description

PB-Corporate Office
2102 SW 2nd St
Pompano Beach, FL 33069, USA

Pay or shift range: $60,000 USD to $75,000 USD. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

Description

Summary: The Hard Armor Product Line Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle management of the hard armor product portfolio, including ballistic plates, shields, and related protective systems. This role blends strategic planning with tactical execution to define product strategy, drive development, and ensure commercial success. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of NIJ standards, defense industry trends, and user requirements within military, law enforcement, and security sectors. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of the personal protection and body armor industry, outstanding cross‑functional leadership, and the ability to balance technical, customer, and business requirements. This position plays a key role in driving innovation, ensuring product quality, overseeing production processes, and delivering on both customer expectations and business goals.

Key Responsibilities

Product Lifecycle & Strategic Management

• Oversee the full product lifecycle from concept to end‑of‑life for hard armor lines.
• Define and execute product strategies that align with customer needs, market demands, and organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with R&D, Sales, Marketing, and Engineering to develop and refine product roadmaps.
• Maintain deep knowledge of industry standards (e.g., NIJ) and ensure compliance across all products.

Production Oversight & Process Management

• Engage in both pre‑production (planning) and production (control and supervision) stages.
• Lead cross‑functional efforts to ensure efficient, high‑quality production output.
• Address real‑time production issues and bottlenecks, making rapid decisions to minimize downtime and meet delivery goals.
• Ensure that customer orders are completed on time, within budget, and meet or exceed quality standards.

Cross‑functional Coordination

• Liaise between Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, and Customer Support to align strategy and execution.
• Communicate production goals, changes, and process improvements clearly across teams.
• Support the integration of customer feedback into continuous product and process improvements.

Performance Analysis & Reporting

• Collect, analyze, and report on production and performance data.
• Deliver insights and updates to factory leadership and customers to ensure transparency and alignment.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process enhancements to improve efficiency, cost‑effectiveness, and quality.

Process Improvement & Innovation

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen.
• Identify and execute on opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
• Ensure that all production strategies align with broader company policies, operational goals, and compliance requirements.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of bulletproof vest products, from concept and development through production, launch, and ongoing support.
• Conduct market analysis to understand customer needs, industry trends, and competitor activities, and use insights to shape product strategies.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and customer support teams to align product development and delivery goals.
• Engage with law enforcement and military stakeholders to gather feedback, understand operational challenges, and ensure products meet end‑user needs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to establish process flows, production timelines, and capacity plans. Provide support to address production bottlenecks and maintain efficiency.
• Ensure all products comply with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory standards, working closely with quality assurance and compliance teams.
• Track product performance metrics, customer satisfaction, and market trends, and use data to guide product improvements and innovation.
• Make informed decisions regarding product features, enhancements, trade‑offs, and resource allocation to maximize product value and profitability.
• Work with finance and manufacturing teams to ensure products are developed and produced within budget while maintaining high‑quality standards.
• Drive go‑to‑market strategies, ensuring successful product launches in collaboration with marketing and sales teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field; MBA or equivalent is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in product management, manufacturing operations, or production leadership—preferably within the personal protection/body armor industry.
• Experience working with law enforcement or military stakeholders is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of NIJ standards and body armor materials and production processes.
• Proven ability to manage cross‑functional teams, develop strategic product plans, and drive performance metrics.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with experience in data‑driven decision‑making.
• Familiarity with ERP/PLM systems and continuous improvement tools (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).
• Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) to comply with federal contracting regulations. Must be a US person as defined by ITAR.
• All candidates must be fluent in English, with the ability to speak, read, and write at a professional level.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.