Reports to VP of Manufacturing Operations & Engineering

Our client is one of Canada’s largest manufacturers. We are seeking an experienced Product Development Engineering Manager to be responsible for leading a team of engineers and technical staff to develop new products and implement major/minor product changes that align with company growth objectives, focusing on quality, cost, and manufacturability.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing engineering team to meet departmental and company goals.
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and learning; support career development and succession planning.
Oversee recruitment and onboarding of technical talent.
Develop, manage, and monitor project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and resource allocation.
Lead stakeholder communications and project meetings.
Oversee the full product development lifecycle (design, prototyping, modeling, testing, and validation).
Ensure product quality meets/exceeds safety and durability standards; address post-launch design or performance issues.
Optimize manufacturability in collaboration with internal and external partners.
Ensure compliance with certifications (UL, CSA, BIFMA) and maintain accurate documentation.
Drive product launch readiness and cross-functional collaboration with manufacturing and sales.
Continuously improve engineering workflows and use digital tools to reduce errors and accelerate cycles.
Manage ECR/ECO processes for controlled product changes.
Lead initiatives for product cost reduction and continuous improvement, applying root cause analysis as needed.

Skills & Qualifications:

Leadership, team development, technical expertise, project management, innovation, problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, strategic thinking, and quality/process orientation.
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Product Design Engineering (Master's preferred).
P.Eng. designation or eligibility is an asset.
8–10 years’ progressive experience in product design/development in manufacturing; minimum 3–5 years in engineering leadership/management.
Proven record delivering new product introductions and launches.
Expertise in plastic injection molding, fabricated metal assemblies, welded structures, foam molded components, and sewn/upholstered goods.
Proficiency in CAD, modeling software, and ERP systems preferred.
Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

Physical Demands:

Regular sitting, standing, walking; occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs), bending, use of PPE in production areas.

Work Environment:

Office and lab setting within a manufacturing facility; interaction with production areas as needed for product development and troubleshooting.

Other Requirements:

Must be able to perform all physical job demands, free of recreational substances.
Any medication affecting performance is restricted.

Red Rover Recruitment

Open Positions

Product Development Engineering Manager