Job Details

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Director of Product Development to lead a team of Project Managers and Customer Service Representatives. This role will oversee the end-to-end communication process, from product briefs provided by clients to finalizing the logistics for shipping. The goal is to ensure all projects are completed on time, within budget, and communication is consistent to meet client expectations. You will mentor and guide the team, provide strategic oversight, and drive continuous improvement within the team and client-facing processes.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Team Leadership and Mentoring

• Provide strong leadership to a team of Project Managers and Customer Service Representatives, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture that is empowering and motivating by encouraging self-improvement, critical thinking, and skill development.
• Provide oversight and guidance to ensure successful project execution from product development to completion.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to close knowledge/skill gaps and help team members meet performance targets.
• Build team capability and capacity to meet both the current and future needs of the business through talent acquisition, employee training/development, and performance management.
• Set clear goals and priorities for the team and hold team members accountable through regular informal and formal performance evaluations.

Project Execution and Communication

• Oversee the end-to-end communication process from the product development phase through the finalizing the logistics for shipping.
• Oversee the creation and evaluation of product briefs and ensure alignment with R & D and client requirements.
• Manage communication between clients and internal teams (R & D, purchasing, manufacturing, production, engineering, quality, logistics) to ensure alignment on project timelines and requirements.
• Play a hands-on role in defining the initial scope of work, timelines, and milestones, ensuring clear expectations are set for all stakeholders.

Client-Facing Responsibilities

• Lead client-facing meetings, discussing project risks and solutions to ensure alignment with client goals and expectations.
• Serve as the go-to resource for clients, providing guidance on project requirements, problem-solving, options, and costs.
• Strengthen client relationships by recommending new opportunities that deliver additional value and align with their needs.
• Proactively communicate with clients regarding any challenges and possible solutions to keep projects on track.

Problem Solving

• Drive the communication when problems arise and evaluate appropriate solutions and impact on timelines and budget for the client. Communicate project risks to stakeholders. Ensure all communication is documented.
• Actively monitor the team's progress toward project milestones, identifying potential issues early and utilizing these situations as learning opportunities.
• Work with team members to find solutions to challenges and mitigate risks before they impact project timelines and budgets.

Process and Performance Management

• Develop and implement work processes to streamline project workflows and ensure real-time visibility.
• Utilize tools like Excel or Monday.com to track milestones, measure performance, and provide transparency across all stakeholders.
• Establish and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the team to monitor project progress, milestones, and overall performance.
• Drive continuous improvements to client-facing processes and policies, enhancing overall project execution and client satisfaction.
• Lead weekly project review meetings to track progress and identify potential issues early.
• Look to optimize existing cross-functional meetings to avoid meeting overload without compromising overall project effectiveness.
• Set clear goals and performance targets, monitor progress, and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Continuously evaluate opportunities to improve processes and leverage technology to increase efficiencies and deliver outstanding customer service internally and externally.
• Conduct post-project reviews to evaluate successes and areas for improvement, driving process refinements to accelerate timelines and improve risk management for future projects.

The salary range for this role is $105,000 – $145,000 annually. Compensation is commensurate with level of knowledge, education, skills, and experience applicable to the position.

We understand that each team member's situation is unique, and so it is our intent to offer an overall benefits package that can be shaped and molded by each individual to fit their family's needs. Our current benefits package, which is available to all full-time team members, includes medical, dental, vision insurance, 401k retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, life and disability coverage, and other voluntary benefits.

We want everyone to feel welcome and respected, and we are committed to providing the best space, experience, and workplace for our teams – no matter what race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different.