Product Development Manager

Product Development Manager

Are you ready to combine your passion for an active lifestyle with a meaningful and multifaceted career in the cycling industry? At Specialized, our teammates are encouraged to explore roles in a variety of functions throughout their careers. We value curiosity, a desire to try new things, and an eagerness to learn about all aspects of the business. No matter where you begin with the company, you get to decide where you want to go whether it’s marketing, finance, product development, sales, or an international assignment. Join us in making the world a better place through the power of bicycles and build your dream career at the same time!

JOB SUMMARY

The Product Development Manager is responsible for overseeing the development of on-bike components, with a strong focus on supply chain efficiency. This role involves managing product development process & PLM systems.

The product Development Manager is chartered with getting the most out of our product development team and vendors, so relationship skills and communications are as important as technical knowledge and work ethic.

The Product Development Manager will need to act as a support for the product developers in diagnosing, solving and defining a corrective action plan when product issues arise that threaten production.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Lead a team to execute and make sure in line with the Product design direction.
• Implement standard process to ensure accurate and efficient product data management.
• Ensure products are developed with a focus on cost-effectiveness, quality, and sustainability.
• Lead and mentor teammates, fostering collaboration and ensuring alignment with company objectives.
• Coordinate efforts across Product Management team, Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Sourcing and Supply Chain teams.
• Work closely with Bike development, Sourcing and Supply Chain teams to optimize sourcing, production, and delivery processes.
• Work with suppliers closely to build and maintain the relationship and trust.
• Collaborate with Compliance to ensure ALL new products and combinations are tested.
• Work with suppliers to improve product performance, quality, testing and delivery while pushing them to innovate both in product and manufacturing to bring new products to market with improved efficiency.
• Collaborate with Category Leaders, Product Managers to ensure that product launches are successful and meet customer expectations.
• Ride, understand the needs of riders, participate in the categories you work on to bring rider empathy to the work you do.

WHAT YOU NEED TO WIN

• Bachelor’s degree, together with 5+ years of experience in product development
• Proven experience in managing the development of complex products, preferably bicycle/related industry.
• Strong knowledge of development process, supply chain processes, and product lifecycle management.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices in product development.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple complex global priorities while navigating ambiguity and multiple cross functional relationships
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to travel 10-15%