Summary/Objective:

The Product Development Manager (PDM) is responsible for the development of new products and production processes with a primary focus on protective garments. The PDM will organize and control all aspects of projects; including ensuring project objectives are consistent with the product requirements and managing the project to meet those objectives from conception to commercialization. Project types may include product development, product improvement, and government-funded research contracts. Activities include technology research, project management, supplier relations, and support of Sales. The PDM must be self-sufficient, willing to travel for industry events, control a budget, able to understand and implement light manufacturing processes, provide intermediate technical support, deliver on project timelines, and join industry associations such as INDA and NFPA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Proactively identify new materials and technologies through vendor visits, trade events, networking, and independent research.
• Arrange business meetings with prospective vendors for technology collaboration.
• Manage or oversee new product development and product improvement projects.
• Collaborate with Prototype Technician to create initial designs and prototypes for proof of concept.
• Support of Sales Team with market introduction of new products/product improvements to include technical data and organize post introduction testing.
• Attend fabric runs (contractors) and support fabric production as requested.
• Provide manufacturing with support as needed and conduct periodic audits for conformity to certification standards.
• Monitor project budgets and control overall cost.
• Provide support to Market Development as requested.
• Provide Sales Team support as requested.
• Provide in-person and virtual presentations of new product development activities to internal stakeholders and external parties.
• Collaborate with Training and Technical Support Manager to design curriculum for employee training around new products.
• In depth understanding of NFPA, ASTM, and other standards as pertains to our products.
• Confer with internal and external customers to develop project objectives.
• Comply with applicable rules and regulations on Government contracts.
• Organize production trials of new or modified products, and report results.
• Maintain project schedule by monitoring project progress, coordinating activities, and resolving problems.
• Conduct reviews after project implementations to confirm all objectives are met.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must have a solid scientific understanding of polymeric materials, characteristics, and interactions.
• Must be able to prioritize multiple projects and maintain organized documentation.
• Must be able to think proactively and creatively and have a natural curiosity and excitement for innovation.
• Must be self-motivated and work independently yet have strong collaboration skills and ability to interface with a diverse group of people and situations.
• Must be able to read and understand blueprints and process diagrams.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software and Zoom/Microsoft Teams.
• Technical writing capability (internal and external documents).

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a related field, or equivalent job experience. Engineering or Material Science degree preferred.
• Greater than 8+ years’ experience in General Industry, with product development and project management experience.
• Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of nonwoven fabrics, film technology, and extrusion technology is highly desired.
• Knowledge of additive manufacturing and automation of process is preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform job functions.
• Must be able to stand, sit, and walk for prolonged periods of time; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate computer and telephone keyboards.
• Noise levels are usually moderate.
• Ability to see and adjust; close vision and distance vision.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at a time.
• Travel is required, up to 20%. Mostly within the US

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Guntersville, AL: Reliably commute or willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (Required)

Experience:

• Product Development: 6 years (Required)
• Protective Garment: 5 years (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: One location

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