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DIR. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT - LICENSED PRODUCTS Submit Resume
Job Title:
Dir. Product Development - Licensed Products
Job Location:
Midwest
Relocation:
Yes
Position Level:
Director
Position Report To:
VP Innovation & Design
Position Responsibilities:
The Product Design Director will lead new product design process for cosmetic (line extensions / packaging) and evolutionary (new product development - intuitive) product development. Provide leadership and technical support for research and development of quality consumer products to meet the business requirements as provided by Product Management. Work collaboratively cross-functionally to deliver great consumer informed products, on time and on budget. 

Creatively develop solutions on new product design, features and ease of use while keeping costing and pricing as a key consideration
  • Supervise, lead, train and inspire product design teams to ensure they are equipped and motivated to achieve stated goals.
  • Responsible for managing the entire product development process from concept to approved prototype including resolving development and production issues in a timely manner.  
  • Responsible for Defining (Scoping and Targeting), based on business requirement document, Developing (Evaluation and Defining & Development), Approving (Test & Validation) for new product development
  • Develop and present a rolling three year Product Portfolio Roadmap to Product Management based on business requirements provided from Product Management.
  • Interpret trend information from Creative and CI relevant to consumer/product and translate into product insights/briefs.
  • Write and/or approve Product Briefs based on category plan directives (Business Requirements Document) from Product Mgt.
  • Identify Consumer Research required to inform product design and packaging. Work with CI to answer the stated business question.
  • Manage the CI, global product design budget.
  • Present final product concepts and costing based on business requirements provided back to Product Management for approval.
  • Drive value engineering and look for product improvement opportunities with a sharp focus on achieving financial objectives.
  • Oversee staff of product managers and provide leadership, coaching and development.
  • Monitor the performance of assigned team and document performance feedback.
--There are 2 direct reports (Product Design Managers).  Seeking a strong coach and mentor who will lead and guide the commercialization and development of the line.
--Reports to the VP Design & Innovation.
--Travel includes domestic trade shows (not overseas).
Percent Travel:
Direct Reports:
Yes
Experience Required:
  • 7-10 years of consumer packaged goods experience in product management and/or product development.  Keen focus on understanding the consumer.
  • Experienced working with Asian manufacturing partners.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with ability to lead, interact, focus, resolve conflict and drive consensus among individuals from a variety of disciplines; strong diplomatic skills.
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational and analytical skills.
  • Confident relying on your judgment and past experience to plan and accomplish goals.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Strong project manager skills.
  • Intermediately proficient in Microsoft, Google Drive, and Adobe applications (for viewing tech drawings, combining files, making edits)
Education Required:
BS/BA
Other Remarks:
--Product line includes licensed bakeware, decorations, etc. (applying licensed styleguides to products); sku intensive.

Candidates can come from the pary, stationery, toy or related industry whereby multiple licenses are used

--The Director will lead product development from concept to production; this includes trending, analyzing market research and consumer insights, and creating product briefs.

--Innovation team is "revolutionary / white space" and develops concepts 2-3 years out; this person's team picks up closer to commercialization and is focused on "evolutionary" change (new product to Wilton and consumer) and "cosmetic" change (ie packaging & line extensions).

--In addition to being an extremely creative problem solver, you must also be strong with financials (this person will manage their own P&L and budget).

--This role is heavily focused on leadership of the team; will also work collaboratively with other Design Directors (there are 3 total as stated above…and another Director of Innovation) and cross-functionally

--There are 3 direct reports (Product Design Managers – product development). They are talented people, but under the past structure were “told what to do”. Under the new structure, the company is seeking someone who can be a strong mentor and develop strong thinkers and problem-solvers. The team must know how to use analytic info and apply it to solving problems and making products compelling to consumers, at a good price point, and feeling first-to-market.

--The company has restructured and is moving to a more sophisticated environment (similar to classic CPG); while they’re a smaller company, the people that will thrive there aren’t the “hands-on in many areas” people, but the people who’ve had ownership / responsibility of product lines and have had a “deep dive”.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Base Salary:
135000 (low): 125000 (high): 145000
Sign on bonus:
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Bonus Potential:
Yes
Bonus %:
20 target How Much (low): (high):
Total Estimated Compensation:
Stock Options:
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Car:
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Car allowance:
Other Benefits: