Job Description
The Product Development Manager will lead the design and delivery of innovative new products, technologies, and customer-facing solutions that drive company growth and deliver superior value to customers. This strategic role is critical to differentiating the company from its competitors and building a sustainable pipeline of innovative solutions in the foodservice space. The ideal candidate is highly creative, technically skilled, customer-focused, and process-driven, capable of taking concepts from ideation through to production launch with excellence and efficiency. There are potential growth opportunities to join the executive leadership team.
ResponsibilitiesLead New Product Development (NPD) by driving the full lifecycle of product development from ideation and concept generation through prototyping, validation, production handoff, and market launch.Manage projects by owning timelines, resources, budgets, and stakeholder coordination across multiple NPD projects to deliver results that meet both customer and company expectations.Engage with customers and the market to understand needs, collect feedback, and deliver solutions tailored to real-world use cases.Monitor market trends, competitive technologies, and foodservice innovation to position the company as a leader in next-generation solutions.Use agile methods and quick iteration to validate ideas and reduce time-to-market.Establish and improve scalable development processes, design standards, and best practices for repeatable success.Collaborate with internal teams (engineering, manufacturing, quality, marketing, sales) and external vendors to ensure product success.Evaluate development investments through ROI modeling and cost analysis, ensuring designs align with business goals.Lead and support the technical integration of newly acquired technologies or product lines into the company's systems and standards.Essential SkillsMechanical, electrical, or software product design experienceEnd-to-end project ownership from concept to launchProcess orientation with a focus on continuous improvementStrong interpersonal and customer engagement skillsExperience in rapid prototyping and iterative designAnalytical mindset with cost modeling and ROI focus5+ years of NPD/R&D experience5+ years of full product development lifecycle experienceBachelor's DegreeAdditional Skills & QualificationsSolid understanding of the foodservice equipment space (preferred)Creativity and vision to encourage new ways of solving problemsAbility to thrive in fast-paced environments and adapt quickly to shifting prioritiesConsistently meets project goals and customer expectations on timeRisk management skills to navigate innovation with structure and foresightEffective communication of ideas and solutions to internal stakeholders and external partnersDirect experience or familiarity with foodservice industry practices and customer needs is strongly preferredDirect report experienceExperience with ERP systemsWork Environment
The position operates in an office environment with a lab, providing opportunities to work closely with product engineers. The company is a multi-generation family-owned business with room for upward mobility.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $110000.00/yr.
Benefits: 401(k) with company match, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off,
Employee Assistance Program, Employee Discounts, and more.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Hicksville,OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 2025.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.