Product Innovation Program Manager

The Product Innovation Program Manager is responsible for driving future innovative product solutions. Specialize in the identification, development and commercialization of new products – from concept to implementation. The Product Innovation Program Manager will work closely with Sales, Operations and Finance teams.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and manage all aspects of New Product Development projects, instilling a sense of urgency with the cross-functional team to meet customer quality and delivery expectations
• Direct design-focused profit improvement initiatives and evaluate proposals from the Operations and Supply Chain teams to ensure product quality and customer satisfaction. Track impact of all projects within the category.
• Lead cross-functional teams and development activities to meet program objectives including scope, budget and schedule.
• Drive process improvement in all areas within the NPD
• Drive to complete new product development process from initial idea conception through product launch, including internal iterative testing, and real-world testing with customers. Schedule and manage product development and launch tasks for engineering department
• Focus on customer solutions that increase customers’ sales or reduce their costs.
• Anticipate future customers’ needs by designing flexibility into product, providing just enough flexibility for solution to apply to many customers without significantly increasing overall cost of solution.
• Coordinate with sales department to focus on solutions with greatest market potential.
  • Visit customer w/sales reps
• Generates innovative concepts for new products to meet customer expectations.
• Provide competitive product analysis
• Define strategic brand initiatives
• Identify, scope and size new venture opportunities

• Provide value to our customers by using Lean tools and concepts to identify and eliminate waste in all forms (scrap/rework, transportation, motion, waiting, inventory, over production, over processing, and under-utilization of people). Uses systemic thinking by seeing processes from end to end and works to challenge the status quo to eliminate the root cause of problems. Is involved in individual and/or team activities that involve using Lean tools and concepts to improve the flow of information and material.
• Other duties as required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work at computer for extended periods of time
• Musts be able to walk/stand for extended periods of time

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• BS Degree in Engineering required
• Min 10 years relevant product engineering experience within a manufacturing environment
• Min 5 years in a leadership role
• Project Management Certification

• Strong problem-solving capabilities, including the ability to collect and utilize data to establish facts and formulate recommendations.
• Ability to handle multiple projects, competing priorities, and drive projects to completion.
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Forward thinker
• Must be hands-on creative problem solver and inventive thinker
• Industry experience
• Strong track record of delivering successful projects from concept to production
• Participates in networking events that will improve visibility in marketplace and identifies prospective clients

• Strong written and verbal skills
• Familiar with the StageGate process.