Research & Development Manager
Permanent On-site | Niagara Falls, ON
Compensation Range
$120K - $130KCompensation will be determined based on the successful candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications, and may also be influenced by internal equity and market conditions.
Description
Leadership
- Oversee and provide strategic leadership to the New Product Development Manager and the Quality Team
- Empower the team by aligning departmental goals with corporate objectives and sharing the broader business strategy
- Develop annual department objectives that integrate category strategy, product innovation, and quality improvements
- Establish clear priorities, ensure alignment across teams, and maintain focus on strategic goals
- Drive collaboration across departments as the key stakeholder for product and category strategy
- Mentor team leaders by identifying skill gaps, providing development plans, and conducting performance reviews
- Optimize efficiency through process automation and continuous improvement initiatives
Category & Product Strategy
- Create category and product plans for our brands, based on a thorough review and understanding of consumer needs, competitor offerings, lessons learned, customer/professional reviews and other data
- Guide the NPD Manager in aligning product development initiatives with category strategy and corporate goals
- Review financial and market performance data (e.g., margin analysis, sales trends, product performance) to inform strategic decisions
- Collaborate with Marketing to ensure effective product positioning and brand differentiation
- Oversee the submission and maintenance of product patents and brand trademarks
New Product Development
- Set the strategic vision for new product development, ensuring alignment with business growth objectives
- Work closely with the NPD Manager to establish and maintain the annual product pipeline
- Oversee high-level decision-making for NPD projects, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to achieve business objectives.
- Ensure that all products meet the highest performance and user experience standards while maintaining profitability
- Support the NPD Manager in overcoming development challenges and ensuring milestones are met
- Ensure all products sold internationally comply with regional safety regulations and certification requirements, including proper application of safety certifications and royalties during development
- Evaluate and select the best suited technologies for each new product development project
- Achieve profit margin targets for each product in development by negotiating costs and managing other costs (logistics, amortization, etc.)
Vendor Management
- Develop and maintain high-level partnerships with key suppliers, engineering firms, and manufacturing partners
- Lead negotiations on pricing, terms, and agreements with vendors
- Oversee vendor performance and ensure alignment with long-term business strategy
Quality Assurance
- Set quality assurance objectives and oversee defect rates, return rates, and overall product performance
- Collaborate with the Quality Team to drive improvements in product reliability and compliance
- Take a hands-on approach in addressing complex quality issues and product testing when necessary
- Oversee the development of quality control documentation and ensure effective production audits
Other
- Develop and monitor annual department budget
- Organize and plan business trips throughout the year to meet with overseas vendors and attend trade shows
- Undertake additional duties as assigned to achieve the objectives and company goals
Qualifications
- University degree in Business, Marketing, Electronics Engineering, or a related field
- Around 7-10 years of experience in product management, category strategy, or R&D leadership
- Around 7-10 years of experience in project management and vendor relations
- Around 7 years of experience in market research and competitive analysis
- 5+ years of experience leading product development teams and managing team leaders
- 5+ years of vendor management experience, including contract negotiations
- 5 years demonstrated experience in consumer electronics hardware
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership abilities
- Ability to manage multiple projects and drive strategic initiatives
- Willing to travel to business partners in United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Europe and other locations as required (2-4 times per year) as well as industry trades shows (2-4 times per year)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management software (e.g., ClickUp)You Will Stand Out If:
- You have experience managing multiple product categories
- You have your PMP designation or Six Sigma designation
