Product Development Leader

About Us:
BW Converting Solutions is a strategic alliance of resources and services that bring together several Barry-Wehmiller companies - Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), Winkler + Dnnebier (W+D), STAX Technologies, Hudson-Sharp, Baldwin Technologies and Northern Engraving and Machine. These industry leaders offer trusted brands and innovative technologies in the design, manufacture, and service of high-performance converting and packaging machinery for the tissue, nonwovens, hygiene, bag-converting, mailing, and printing industries.

Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.

Job Description:

The Product Development Leader collaborates with cross-functional teams, to include brands sales executives, to drive the development of new products or enhancements to existing products within brand to meet market needs.

Is responsible for planning and implementing brand's projects from design to final customer acceptance.

Provides project updates to both internal and external customers to manage expectations and validate timelines from order design through to final acceptance.

Decisions and problem-solving are guided by policies, procedures, and business plan; receive guidance and oversight from product line commercial director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• [Strategic Vision and Planning] Identify brand's emerging market opportunities, products, opportunities and customer needs through market research, user feedback, and competitive analysis.
• Develop brand's product development strategy, aligned with the overall business objectives and market trends.
• Prepares business plans and gains consensus for R&D expenditures, aligned with the overall business objectives and market trends.
• Develop and implement a roadmap for products development, quality improvements, team efficiency enhancements and customer satisfaction.
• [Cross-functional Collaboration] Serve as a technical subject matter expert on brand's products and service to internal stakeholders at all levels (Sales, leadership, Engineers, Operations, Service, Marketing), and customers.
• Provide technical design, project management of commercial opportunities, and innovation support to the sales team and directly with customers.
  • [Prototype Development and Testing] Own pilot lines innovation, strategy, and business plans for expenditures needed to enhance capabilities. Get guidance from brands Product Innovation Leaders and product line commercial director. Conduct market testing and prepare formal recommendations for product designs and developments from these insights.
• [Embossing Development] Coordinate complex projects from design to final acceptance internal and external (full project management).
  • Ensure that embossing designs delivered for execution to ops meet the agreed specifications with final customer. Manage organizational support of viable project for entry (define project scope, objectives, and deliverables, establish project timelines, resource allocations, and budgets to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery).

• Identify potential risks and challenges associated with products developments. Develop contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies to address obstacles and ensure project success.
• [Commercialization and Go-to-Market Strategy] Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to develop go-to-market strategies consistent with the branding strategy.
• Report performance of marketing campaigns against ROI and other key performance indicators.
  • Define pricing strategies, distribution channels, and promotional tactics to drive product adoption and market penetration.
  • Monitor post-launch performance and gather customer feedback to inform product iterations and future innovation efforts.
  • [Leadership and Team Development] Provide direct and indirect leadership, coaching and mentoring to less experienced team members and direct reports.

• Maintain reports, records, files, logs, CRM/CPQ etc., pertinent to function.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, with a MBA preferred.
• 8 plus years demonstrated experience in sales, engineering, and embossing design, product development or equivalent experience required. Like to have engraving experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Ability to effectively identify and translate the company's ability to provide solutions to customer needs
• Master level professional recognized as expert whit a substantial breadth and expertise in paper converting and embossing, with broad knowledge of other technical disciplines in the organization
• Thorough knowledge of industry trends, competitors, and vendor products for use in solving customer problems
• Communication, organization, and time management skills
• Strategic Mindset
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Negotiating & Presentation Skills
• Commercial & Contractual know how
• Proven problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Proficiency in computer software applications and financial know how
• Bilingual language skills are a plus

COMPETENCIES

• Customer Focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Instills Trust - Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Drives Results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Optimizes Work Processes - Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Decision Quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Plans and aligns - Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Situational Adaptability - Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY

This position does directly supervise other associates.

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification. It's not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills, and is subject to change at any time.

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At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work-therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.

Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.

Company:
Paper Converting Machine Company