We are seeking an experienced Director of Product Development to lead the development and commercialization of innovative products from concept through launch. This role will provide strategic direction, lead cross-functional development efforts, and ensure products meet customer, quality, performance, and business requirements.
Position Responsibilities
Product Development Strategy
- Develop and execute product development strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Lead product initiatives from concept and design through testing, validation, and commercialization.
- Evaluate market trends, customer needs, and emerging technologies to identify product opportunities.
- Establish development priorities, timelines, and performance objectives.
Product Innovation & Development
- Oversee product design, development, prototyping, testing, and validation activities.
- Guide teams in developing innovative and commercially viable products.
- Ensure product designs meet applicable quality, performance, cost, and regulatory requirements.
- Identify opportunities to improve existing products and development processes.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Lead and coordinate product development teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, marketing, and other functions.
- Establish clear responsibilities, milestones, and accountability across development projects.
- Communicate project progress, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Build strong collaboration between technical and commercial teams.
Commercialization & Continuous Improvement
- Oversee new product introduction and transition from development to production.
- Monitor product performance and customer feedback after launch.
- Identify opportunities to improve product quality, cost, functionality, and customer value.
- Drive continuous improvement across product development processes.
Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Product Development, Business, or a related field.
- Extensive experience in product development, engineering, or product management.
- Proven experience leading cross-functional product development teams.
- Strong understanding of product development processes from concept through commercialization.
- Experience with product design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing processes.
- Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple complex development initiatives and priorities.
Certifications (Preferred, but not Required)
- Project Management Professional (PMP).
- Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Certified Product Manager (CPM) or related product management certification.
- Lean Six Sigma certification.
- Design or engineering-related professional certifications.
What the Role Offers
- Salary: $150,000–$200,000 annually
- Opportunity to lead strategic product development and innovation initiatives.
- Cross-functional leadership and executive-level exposure.
- Opportunity to influence product strategy from concept through commercialization.
- Professional growth and leadership development opportunities.
Why Midland?
Midland provides a strong environment for product development and manufacturing professionals, with access to established industrial operations and a skilled workforce. The region offers opportunities to lead technical innovation, collaborate across engineering and business functions, and contribute to the development of products that support evolving market needs.