Product Development Manager

SUMMARY:
Purpose of the job:

• To lead the Product Development Department to achieve company objectives

POSITION INFO:

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the Product Development strategy for new and existing product ranges
• Optimise product cost and improve the product quality both internally and in conjunction with external suppliers
• Monitor team projects / activities to achieve strategic objectives
• Perform evaluations of new materials and suppliers
• Management of the Engineering Change Process
• Lead projects with multidisciplinary teams
• Conduct FMEA studies and address issues raised
• Develop test methods and perform product testing for approval
• Perform and approve initial sample inspection reports (ISIR)
• Conduct benchmarking studies
• Manage all information, documentation, drawings related to the department in accordance with company policies and ISO 9001 requirements
• Manage the thermodynamic test laboratory
• Interpret thermodynamics test results and provide solutions for improvement
• Provide support to production with product / process / quality / equipment related issues
• Keep abreast of regulatory specifications and ensure product compliance
• Perform and support the Letter of Authority application process
• Familiarity with the following standards is an advantage: ISO 9001, ISO 17025, SANS / IEC 62552, 60335-1 & 60335-2-24
• Develop, maintain and improve departmental work standards / procedures
• Any other product development and design functions as may be necessary

• Develop department budget, project & capital expenses
• Approval of purchases
• Adhere to financial policies and procedures

• Ensure staff works safely according to safety policies, standards and laws
• Identify potential hazards and critical safety issues in the workplace
• Always ensure a clean and organised work environment

• Lead the Product Development Team to achieve organisational objectives
• Determine resource requirements for the function
• Compile and update individual development plans and facilitate individual careers
• Conduct performance reviews and manage sub-standard performance
• Ensure that all employee resources within the Department are optimally utilised
• Chair disciplinary inquires
• Maintain and encompass the company corporate values

Educational Requirements:

• BSc / BTech / BEng Mechanical Engineering
• CAD, Solid Works is an advantage
• High level of computer literacy
• Electrical engineering knowledge is an advantage

• 5+ years manufacturing environment experience
• 2+ years at management level or 4+ years leading multidisciplinary teams projects
• Experience in People Leadership – must have led small teams
• Experience in Project Management
• Design for manufacturing principles
• Lean manufacturing principles
• Cost based approach
• Apply known problem solving techniques
• Ability to work in a unionised environment
• Good interpersonal, communication and presentation skills (both written and verbal)
• Refrigeration background or an understanding of thermodynamics is an advantage

• Adaptability
• Aligning performance for success
• Building and maintaining relationships
• Interpersonal skills & communication
• Team player
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Change leadership
• Commercial acumen
• Diversity with inclusion
• Drive for results
• Strategic planning, organising & control
• Decision making
• Quality leadership
• Quality orientation
• Respect
• Safety awareness
• Safety leadership
• Work standards
• Emotional intelligence
• Integrity