Product Design & Innovation Manager
Windows and Doors
Kitchener, Ontario
Senior-level opportunity
If you are passionate about new product development, product design, and manufacturing innovation in the Window and Doors industry, this is the role for you.
Reporting to the President, this role oversees the Research & Development of new and innovative Window and Door design that continues to keep our client ahead of the market in terms of delivering innovative products to the homebuilding market in Ontario.
The President is highly motivated by the continued opportunity that this business presents and has great ambitions for what the organization can achieve.
He wants someone who gets fired up by product innovation. Someone that wants to produce products that are better than the competitors, gets excited by finding unique selling points, designing creative products (within code of course!), and loves working with sales and operations to deliver products that 'wow' their customers.
Our client is an established, mid-sized window and door manufacturer with a strong culture that puts people at the center of everything. They see employees as their greatest asset, care about the product they produce, care about their customers' expectations, and treating everyone with respect is very high on their priority list.
This is a senior-level role that influences the direction of the organization. It works closely with the President, VP Sales, VP Operations, the Quality Manager, and Industrial Engineer in steering the direction of new product development.
SELECT JOB RESPONSIBILITIES :
- Manage existing products and lead the ongoing development of enhancements to support customers' needs.
- Ensure resolution and communication of technical issues and follow up when needed with key stakeholders.
- Work with teams to build and enhance the appropriate products in a timely and efficient manner.
- Communicate current and future statuses of product development as it relates to current and future projects and directions related to these projects.
- Participate in the CSA A440 Technical Committee on “The Performance of Windows and Doors.
- Maintain knowledge of physical test criteria for windows and doors and the involvement in the Certification process by third parties.
- Research, develop and implement best process strategies for new product development, launch, and analysis.
- Assist Sales in the interpretation of Commercial Product Specifications by deciphering bid and tender submissions criteria.
- Maintain knowledge of current and emerging trends in the industry.
- Establish direction, goals, and processes for each part of the R&D team.
- Provide and maintain an environment that fosters product innovation and development to meet and exceed customer expectations.
- Conduct training for Sales Force related to Code Compliance, changes to building codes, product changes or upgrades, new product implementation.
- Work with Operations to ensure the efficiency of the manufacturing process and identify opportunities for smarter ways to optimize production processes
EDUCATION / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE :
Post-Secondary Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or an acceptable combination of education and relevant experience required.Minimum 6-10 years of direct work experience in a product management and development position within a manufacturing setting.In-depth understanding of the Ontario Building Code in relation to windows and doors is required.Must have knowledge of the “North American Fenestration Standard” (NAFS), National Fenestration Rating Council” (NFRC) and subsequent Certification process through Energy Star Canada.Working knowledge of the physical test criteria for windows and doors would be an asset.WORKING CONDITIONS :
Office environment, regular hours Monday to Friday.This is a unique opportunity for a Windows and Doors professional to find a role where their contribution has a direct impact on the success of the overall organization.
All applications treated in the strictest of confidence. Please apply to this advertisement ASAP.