Product Innovation Developer

Summary:

This role is responsible for the delivery of new and innovative concepts to support needs for LION essentials across the organization. The Product Developer will support the company vision of innovation by bringing new ideas to the product management team while also maintaining current product line extensions in the areas of gloves, hoods and other soft goods related to essentials. This role works closely with product management teams to identify new platforms for innovation/development and will be disciplined in the use of the internal stage gate process.

Essential Functions:

• Develops product, applications or process innovations that deliver a competitive advantage.


• Develops detailed product development project plans, understands technical feasibility and project risk, meets cost targets, coordinates resources, and meets time restraints on multiple product development projects. Effectively manages changes in scope, schedule, and cost.


• Designs new products and develops prototypes for Product Management team to implement.


• Ensure products meet necessary regulatory requirements as part of the development process which includes NFPA and ISO documentation.


• Identifies and develops product opportunities from customers, supplier partners, outside innovators and academia.


• Meet with customers and suppliers as needed to address customer needs and rectify complaints.


• Supports product and process improvement activities, including resolving quality and customer related issues.


• Partners closely with Manufacturing, Purchasing and Operations to improve processes, product quality and reduce costs.


• Provides technical expertise including troubleshooting to cross functional teams in the development of samples and commercialization of new products.


• Documents, discloses, protects, and seeks patent protection on qualified new products.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

• The ideal candidate will be a seasoned Product Development or R&D professional with a minimum of 5 years of experience from relevant product manufacturing companies.


• Bachelor's degree product design/development, technical design, engineering, or other technical degree.


• Strong knowledge of the manufacturing process in a global matrixed environment.


• Experience using a stage gate process for product lifecycle development.


• Exhibit good communication, project management, interpersonal skills, and ability to manage his/her workload within a team environment.


• Must be willing to travel to manufacturing locations to provide support when needed.


• Ability to manage multiple tasks/projects.


• Strong organizational skills.

Relationships & Contacts:

• Internal - Marketing, Product Management, Manufacturing, Engineering, Purchasing, Management, Compliance

• External – Vendors, Suppliers, Academia