New Product Development (NPD) Manager – Hardware (Program Manager)
Location: Niagara Region, ON (On-Site) – Relocation Assistance Available!Industry: Consumer Goods, E-Commerce
Salary: $100K - $110K + 15% Bonus & Incentives
About the Role:
Our client, a leading consumer goods company based in Niagara Falls, ON, seeking a New Product Development (NPD) Manager – Hardware to join our exceptionally talented and collaborative team in the Niagara Falls area. Reporting to the Research & Development Manager, you will lead the NPD team and oversee the entire hardware product development cycle — from ideation and design to market launch and post-launch evaluation.
In this role, you'll combine strategic thinking, hands-on leadership, and strong vendor management to deliver innovative consumer electronics under well-known brands. You'll champion process improvements, foster cross-functional collaboration, and help drive the company's growth in a fast-paced e-commerce environment.
If you're a proactive leader who thrives on developing people, managing complex projects, and bringing great products to market, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities: Product Development & Project Management

• Oversee the full NPD lifecycle using a structured Stage-Gate process, from concept through launch and post-launch analysis.
• Manage multiple NPD projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines, milestones, and deliverables are consistently met.
• Maintain and update project trackers, schedules, and dashboards for clear visibility and reporting to stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross-functionally as the key R&D stakeholder in the product launch process, addressing roadblocks quickly and proactively.
• Review and consolidate all project documentation to ensure accuracy and timely progression through each development stage.
• Drive adoption of project management tools (e.g., ClickUp) to standardize processes and improve accountability.

Vendor & Partner Management

• Identify, onboard, and manage OEMs, ODMs, component suppliers, and external engineering partners to support development goals.
• Build and maintain strong, mutually beneficial vendor relationships.
• Monitor vendor performance for timely delivery, quality compliance, and alignment with project timelines.
• Travel internationally (2–4 times per year) to meet partners, visit factories, and attend key trade shows.

Strategic & Operational Support

• Drive process improvement initiatives to enhance project tracking, reporting, and automation.
• Support departmental and corporate goals through additional tasks and cross-functional collaboration as needed.

Qualifications & Skills:
Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field
7–10 years' experience in product development within consumer goods (mandatory); electronics experience is an asset
5–7 years of experience managing and developing product development teams, including performance reviews and mentorship
Proven success managing multiple NPD projects with a structured process (Stage-Gate or equivalent)
Strong background working with OEM/ODM manufacturers and factories
Excellent negotiation, leadership, and critical thinking skills
Experience with ERP systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office
Proficiency using project management software (e.g., ClickUp)
E-commerce experience is desirable
Willingness to travel internationally (North America, Asia, Europe) 2–4 times annually and attend industry trade shows

Job # 16611272