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.