Project Manager - Product Development

POSITION SUMMARY

The Project Manager – Product Development (PM-PD) serves as the strategic lead for new and diverse projects proposed by existing and potential customers. This role owns the full product lifecycle from initial concept to production-ready specification, ensuring that all projects—including new collections, hospitality RFQs, and innovative manufacturing techniques—are delivered on time and to the customer's exact standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Project Planning & Timeline Management (40%)

•    Own the full product development lifecycle from concept intake through production handoff.

•    Manage new product projects as assigned by the Product Development Director.

•    Lead the development of new groups, items, and collections from existing customers, as well as products for new customers.

•    Oversee Contract and Hospitality RFQs (Request for Quotations).

•    Incorporate and manage new manufacturing techniques and materials (e.g., new to the factory) from both new and existing customers.

•    Make strategic recommendations to customers to assist them in achieving their goals for manufacturability and pricing.

2. Technical Coordination & Department Management (30%)

•    Manage a team of Product Engineers and PD Specialists, set clear priorities and support professional development.

•    Lead the translation of customer requirements and market direction into viable, manufacturable product designs.

•    Establish and enforce product documentation standards, including BOM structure, drawing conventions, and change management.

•    Drive continuous improvement in the NPI (New Product Introduction) process to eliminate bottlenecks.

3. Supply Chain & Resource Integration (20%)

•    Define and specify materials and components per customer specifications.

•    Work with Supply Chain to evaluate new materials, balancing cost, availability, and quality.

•    Coordinate with Production to secure capacity for sample development and approval cycles.

4. Quality, Cost & Customer Satisfaction (10%)

•    Ensure the final product matches the Customer’s aesthetic and functional expectations.

•    Monitor development KPIs (sample approval rates, on-time NPI delivery) and report findings to the executive committee.

•    Ensure product specifications include accurate species, material origin, and certification data.

•    Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Engineering, Furniture Technology, or a related field.

•    Experience: 5+ years of product development experience in furniture/wood products, with at least 2 years in a managerial role.

•    Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of furniture construction, wood species, hardware, and surface finishes.

•    Project Expertise: Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-SKU programs and hospitality RFQs.

•    Skills: Proficiency in AutoCAD, 3D modeling tools, and PLM systems ( if any).

•    Language: Professional English proficiency (written and spoken) is mandatory for reporting and customer interaction.

•    Result-Oriented: High ownership mindset, treats quality and on-time delivery as personal commitments.

•    Strategic Advisor: Proactively makes recommendations to customers to optimize pricing and production.

•    Strong People Leader: Creates accountability while developing team capability.

•    Adaptability: Able to manage new techniques and diverse material requirements from a global customer base