About this role
Job Title:
Product Development Manager
Reports to:
Nathan Kyzer
Title:
VP of Operations
Direct Reports:
Yes
No
Department:
Researach and Development
Type of position:
Full Time
Exempt
Part- Time
Nonexempt
Contractor
Student
Position Summary:
This role will lead the development of innovative, market-leading products by overseeing product design, engineering, supplier collaboration, and continuous improvement while ensuring quality, regulatory compliance, production efficiency, and on-time product launches.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/EXPECTATIONS:
- Collect and evaluate design input from Marketing, Sales, Ownership, dealers, customers, and industry partners to develop product concepts using CAD models, prototypes, and mock-ups.
- Hire, lead, coach, and develop a high-performing product development team while fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
- Establish strategic direction, departmental priorities, and performance objectives aligned with company goals.
- Lead cross-functional product discovery, design reviews, and implementation meetings with Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Sales, Marketing, and Quality.
- Manage multiple product development projects, establish timelines, monitor milestones, identify risks, and ensure successful on-time product launches.
- Partner with suppliers to define specifications, conduct testing, resolve engineering issues, negotiate OEM pricing, and improve product quality.
- Maintain the accuracy and integrity of Bills of Material (BOMs), engineering masters, and engineering documentation.
- Develop and validate propeller specifications that optimize boat performance, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
- Lead product training for manufacturing teams and communicate product changes to key stakeholders.
- Drive continuous improvement by evaluating production feedback and implementing Engineering Change Requests (ECR/ECN).
- Ensure compliance with applicable USCG, NMMA, ABYC, EPA, and CFR regulations throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Build strong vendor relationships and translate customer and dealer feedback into product improvements.
KEY ACCOUNTABILIES
• Deliver new products on schedule and within project objectives.
• Improve product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Maintain regulatory compliance.
• Reduce engineering change cycle times and support cost improvement initiatives.
• Develop a high-performing engineering team and promote continuous improvement
Work Environment
Office and manufacturing environment with occasional travel and on-water product testing as required.