Product Development Manager

MISSION

Gilson is seeking a dynamic and experienced Research and Development Manager to lead our R&D team. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the development of new products, improving existing products, and ensuring that our company remains at the forefront of innovation. The Research and Development Manager will lead the specification, development, and delivery of automated liquid handling related products. The position will ensure the uniqueness of the value proposition of Gilson, fostering the ability to turn customer needs into sound specifications, and engineering creativity to provide the simplest and most robust solutions. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of the R&D process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Team Leadership & Management

• Manage and lead a cross-functional R&D team (mechanical, electrical, embedded software engineers).
• Set team objectives, manage priorities, and support professional development.
• Ensure appropriate staffing and effective allocation of resources across projects to respect cost and timeline.

• Supervise all stages of product development: requirement definition, design, prototyping, testing, validation, and transfer to manufacturing.
• Ensure technical consistency across hardware and software components.
• Take the lead and challenge the team in product development, including electrical, mechanical design, and software development.
• Guarantee the delivery of simple, robust, and high-quality product solutions.

• Work closely with Product Management and Marketing to incorporate customer needs and market trends into development plans.
• Coordinate with Operations to ensure manufacturability and a smooth transition into production.
• Integrate Quality and Regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 9001 Design Control) into the design process.
• Monitor industry trends and advancements to identify opportunities for innovation department

• Manage the R&D budget, including cost tracking for approved development projects.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and report regularly to senior leadership.
• Track and report on key R&D metrics (timelines, quality, cost, performance)
• (Lead and manage the R&D team to achieve project goals and objectives
• Develop and implement R&D strategies that align with Gilson's overall business goals
• Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of R&D projects.
• Provide day-to-day supervision and support to the product development team, including recruiting, managing, and training.
• Take the lead in product development, including electrical, mechanical design, and software development.
• Interface with the Marketing and category management Department to accumulate information on market needs and transition new product specifications into the design process.
• Interface with the Operations Department to facilitate the transition of new products to production
• Monitor industry trends and advancements to identify opportunities for innovation
• Manage the R&D budget and allocate resources effectively
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards
• Prepare and present reports on R&D activities and progress to senior management
• Responsibility for department scheduling and work prioritization in order to meet project deadlines
• Responsible for product design budget and tracking for all approved Product Development Projects
• Provides engineering support (mechanical, electrical, and software) to production operations and assists production with trouble shooting and quality improvement activities )

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

• Minimum of a B.S. in Engineering - Mechanical, Electrical

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5 years of experience in new product definition and execution of product development cycles in a manufacturing environment
• Minimum 3 years of people management/supervisory experience

SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams

PHYSICAL ABILITY

• Requires good or corrected vision

ADDITIONAL SKILLS/EXPERIENCE DESIRED

• Experience in the specific industry relevant to Gilson's products.
• Familiarity with advanced research methodologies and technologies.
• Strong background in product development and innovation.
• Familiarity with the ISO9001 Quality Standard - particularly the Design Control element
• Experience in definition and implementation of ISO9001 compliant design control procedures
• Experience in performance validation of products
• Experience with electrical and mechanical assembly processes
• CAD experience
• Experience in lean management