Commercial Product Development Manager

About the job

Leads product development and innovation for the commercial product portfolio in North America. Owns the product roadmap and the full development process, from voice of customer and concept through design, prototyping, certification, launch, and lifecycle management.

Builds products that perform in demanding, regulated environments, including multi-family residential, healthcare, correctional, and education facilities, where durability, hygiene, water safety, accessibility, and security requirements shape every design decision. Serves as the technical authority for the commercial line with engineers, specifiers, contractors, channel partners, and internal teams.

Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline; P.Eng. designation or eligibility is an asset.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in product development or engineering for manufactured products, from concept through launch.

• Minimum 2 years of experience leading people or cross-functional teams, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Creo, or similar), engineering drawing standards, and GD&T.

• Working knowledge of Canadian and US product certifications and codes.

Preferred

• Medical equipment or device industry experience, including design controls (ISO 13485, FDA 21 CFR 820), risk management (ISO 14971), cleanability, infection prevention, and clinical environments.

• Experience with commercial plumbing, institutional fixtures, or building products specified by engineers and architects.

• Experience designing products for correctional, educational, or other high-abuse environments.

• Knowledge of stainless steel fabrication, casting, machining, and electronic sensor technology.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or formal stage-gate training.

Competencies

• Product Strategy and Innovation: Translates customer insights, market data, and technology trends into differentiated products and a prioritized roadmap.

• Customer and Specifier Focus: Understands how commercial products are specified, submitted, approved, and maintained in institutional facilities, considering all stakeholders.

• Regulatory and Standards Acumen: Interprets codes, standards, and regulations, integrating compliance from concept through development.

• Design and Engineering: Applies engineering principles, design techniques, and tools to develop technical plans, drawings, models, and robust, manufacturable prototypes.

• Manufacturing and Cost Management: Understands materials, production processes, quality control, and cost drivers to optimize quality and margins.

• Project and Portfolio Management: Manages concurrent projects, prioritizes work, allocates resources based on skills and capacity, and delivers on commitments.

• Leadership and Influence: Leads cross-functional teams, develops people, and drives decisions through data and clear recommendations.

• Analytical Problem Solving: Defines problems, analyzes data, establishes root causes, and draws sound conclusions using statistical analysis of test and field results.

• Communication: Prepares clear technical reports, specifications, and procedures and presents confidently to leadership, customers, engineers, and specifiers.

• Computer Skills: Proficiency in 3D CAD, PLM/PDM, ERP, Microsoft Office, and project management software.

Accessibility & Accommodation

Franke Kindred Canada is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process, as well as for employees in the workplace, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and applicable legislation.