Product Development Manager

Job Title: Product Development Manager

Location: Lewistown, PA

Position Overview:

The Product Development Manager is responsible for developing and introducing new products as well as enhancing existing products to meet customer needs. This role collaborates with cross-functional teams—including Operations, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Marketing, and external partners—to ensure timely product launches and continuous improvement initiatives. The position also requires staying current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and intellectual property considerations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead cross-functional teams to plan, develop, and implement product improvements and new product introductions.
• Investigate new materials and equipment technologies for applicability to absorbent products.
• Partner with Marketing to conduct and interpret consumer/market research studies.
• Plan and execute product use tests to benchmark competitive product performance.
• Collaborate on intellectual property reviews including patentability and right-to-market assessments.
• Prepare preliminary product cost estimates and contribute to business case development.
• Benchmark competitive products and provide strategies to maintain a competitive advantage.
• Develop products from concept through commercialization, including specifications, prototypes, scale-up, and final approval.
• Collaborate closely with customers, suppliers, and academic or external labs to expand technical capabilities.
• Work with Engineering, Operations, and Quality teams to optimize technical and economic product performance.
• Maintain awareness of patents, trademarks, and new product introductions across the industry.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of product development experience, preferably in absorbent hygiene products (adult incontinence strongly preferred).
• Strong knowledge of absorbent hygiene markets, products, consumer trends, and competitive landscape.
• Proficiency with Probability and Statistical Inference, Design of Experiments, and data-driven decision-making.
• Familiarity with Patents/Trademarks and their application to product development.
• Demonstrated ability to define problems, analyze data, and implement solutions.
• Experience managing multiple projects and leading cross-functional teams to meet objectives and deadlines.
• Strong technical and customer-facing communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, and Minitab.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally for trials, supplier visits, customer meetings, and conferences.

What’s Offered:

• Competitive base salary and bonus opportunities
• Minimum three weeks paid time off
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage starting day one
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid parental leave and family care assistance
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness program incentives
• Additional employee support benefits