Senior Product Development Manager

Job Description

Job Description

The Senior Product Development Manager, or Sr. PDM, will lead the team in the effort to both define the goals of each project related to the 4ons (Time, Quality, Cost and Volume) as well as enable quick decision making to drive success in meeting those goals. Working with the Business unit leads and Product managers to define a successful product roadmap. This will include ensuring successful goals that both mean business success but also efficiency in development. The Sr. PDM will be the leader and decision maker for their categories.

This role will include the creation and finalization of product requirements, coordinating the technical specifications with the Product Development teams, Product Managers, external development partners, vendors and Belkin’s end customers. You will make technical and product decisions, drive innovation, provide technology recommendations, and establish and manage business expectations and timelines with cross functional teams.

This will include fostering strong relationships with supplier bases in Asia and technology teams within top industry partners of assigned disciplines and Screen Protection focused product categories. Visiting vendor factories and forming closer ties with them and aligning their plans with our roadmap. Supplier selection will be an important part of the PDM role.

The PDM team will create project development budgets determining what resources and spending will be required to develop a product from concept to production and get alignment with the different teams and approval.

Additional responsibilities will include technical support and oversight of products throughout the development phase, providing analysis and recommendations into key directional decision making.  Focus will be placed on ensuring that the assigned product line(s) is/are recognized as industry leading by customers and end users for value, quality, selection, innovation, features, reliability, and ease of use. The goal being to drive teams to deliver the 4 on’s of Cost, Spec, Time and quality for all NPI’s and transitions.

Categories might include but are not limited to TCP and OVR screen protectors, camera protectors, applicator machines and trays. Materials will vary and include secondary processes too.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Leading SBU leads and GPM’s in bringing innovative products to life by taking consumer insights and finding the right technology solutions to deliver differentiated products to elevate the Belkin brand, deliver best value, increase market share and drive revenue/profit growth.  
• Lead the review and conclusion of design reviews with the engineering leads to ensure each phase of design is concluded and changes or improvements are made to meet the product requirements.
• Create a product development cost budget (project OPEX budget) including cross functional resource hours, NRE costs, testing costs, marketing costs, tooling, etc.
• Be the leader when partnering with GPM team to translate Consumer Insights, sales data, regional/specific store needs into Product Requirement Documents/Product Briefs to be executed by the project management team.
• Key decision making when it relates to product requirements, design, quality, cost and other important factors and making decisions based upon the data provided by the different teams. Ultimately avoiding delays by lack of decision making. This may include risk-based decisions to accelerate or combat delays in projects.
• The decisions on final approval of physical samples, limit samples and golden samples between the ID, ME teams and SQA if there is an unresolved decision the PDM will make the final decision.
• Facilitate smooth project kickoff and execution with the PM and then the cross functional and PMO teams in planning and beyond. PMO will execute kickoff but PDM must be there to provide input and feedback to teams.
• Ensure with the supply team that the vendor strategy is ready for what lies on the 18-month roadmap. Identify gaps where they exist and task the team to resolve them.
• Own supplier selection, partnering with GSM to make the best choices that balance the 4 on’s. This will include requirements, cost, schedule and other decision points.
• Visit vendor factories during key production builds on key projects, and for approvals on selected projects and coordinate with other teams. Especially if there are any new product types, materials or processes.
• Determine the industrial design direction with the ID team and align on the best choices of design, cost, user experience.
• Own and ensure smooth project kickoff and execution with the PM and then the cross functional and PMO teams in planning and beyond.
• Responsible for the creation and maintenance of Product Requirement Documents for projects with the GPM and Project Management teams.
• Determining product specifications and features of assigned projects when needed to the point where they can be handed off to the Program Management team for planning activities (Request for Quotation, etc.) especially for new technologies, categories, or completely new product types.
• Anticipating technology trends and changes to remain above competitors for assigned categories/disciplines.
• Be the voice of reason as well as the product champion.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 7+ years’ experience of product development and creation, preferably in device protection, screen overlays or other similar products.
• Technological understanding of a variety of areas including but not limited to screen protection categories, technologies including new materials, glass materials, PCR plastics. Processes for creating, treating and perfectly different materials.
• Knowledge of and experience working with vendors in the spaces referenced above throughput Asia including Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and other countries. And be willing to travel when required.
• Experience of creating and managing budgets for projects with reporting and cost management.
• Proven ability to learn new areas/technologies quickly with an active interest in industry directions.
• Proven, excellent communication skills and the ability to forge strong relationships both internally and externally within a company.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Project
• Motivated self-starter with high attention to detail
• Previous experience working in an international organization
• Curious, driven, and respectful
• Bachelor’s Degree with an engineering concentration or equivalent experience preferred

What you’re getting into

We’ve got big collaborative spaces for your big ideas, so bring an open mind and leave your suit in the closet. We all are committed to creating unique and rewarding consumer experiences. Everyone is interested in succeeding – for the team, for themselves and for the business. Cross-functionally and across the company, everyone has common goals and aspires to be their best.

You will learn something new or at least look at things differently every day. There are so many smart and creative people around that you’ll be motivated to pursue the ideal. 

Team spirit is infectious. Belkin is an extremely open workplace, where communication is essential. Not every idea will be accepted, but you’ll be asked for your point of view. Innovation thrives on multiple and varied levels. At Belkin we challenge conventional wisdom and refuse to accept that something cannot be done.

Belkin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer Disability and Veterans. We maintain a drug-free workplace.

All candidates applying for a job in the EMEA region, please review the Applicant Privacy notice HERE

Location:

Range for this position:

$120,000 - $140,000

Factors such as geographic location, academic credentials, relevant experience, and specific knowledge, skills and abilities will influence the actual salary offered. In addition to a competitive market-based salary, compensation also includes a performance-based bonus, and in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Further details can be found here.