PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: To assist with the planning, implementation, and tracking of a specific project, with an end and a scope of specified deliverables to ensure the triple constraints of cost, quality and on-time delivery are met as agreed upon. Product Development Specialist helps define the scope of the project in collaboration across all Takeya divisions with clear deliverables. The PDS works with a cross functional team to create a detailed work plan/timeline which identifies and sequences the activities and resources needed to successfully complete the project. PDS acts as a rudder for the duration of the project process and will participate closely in new product development both as a technical product expert and help champion the stage-gate NPD process.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Project Management • Helps manage a portfolio of concurrent product development projects that span over multiple lines of business • Coordinate internal, third party and Asia development resources for flawless execution of projects • Upheld daily project communication & follow-up with the DPD and Asia development team • Ensure that all projects are delivered on-time, within scope and within budget • Plan for resource availability and allocation • Assist in the definition of project scope and objectives, involving all relevant stakeholders and ensuring technical feasibility • Develop detailed project plans to communicate project deliverables and track progress • Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation • Helps manage changes to the project scope, project schedule and project costs using appropriate verification techniques • Manage project issues and risks to mitigate impact to baseline schedule. Escalate to management as needed • Meet budgetary objectives and make adjustments to project constraints based on financial analysis • Conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through analytical problem-solving capability
Process Management • Support the creation and successful execution of a formal Stage Gate NPD process • Participate in and help own establishing processes, practices, tools, templates and control documents to improve company wide process maturity
Product Development • Participate in product planning and ideation across all divisions • Establish product specifications and identify features and benefits • Compile all handover data (Bill of Materials, tech packs, art files, etc.) and distribute the complete development packs to the DPD & Asia development resources • Facilitate all product testing and assist with the development of test protocols • Participate in proofing all printed materials • Work with internal teams to review prototypes, sales samples, pre-production and T-samples to ensure they meet set quality standards. Communicate the feedback to the Asia development team with appropriate technical detail • Coordinate all product sampling and field testing • Assist with arranging samples for tradeshows, sales calls, photo shoots, etc. • Assist with competitive analysis as needed by comparing the company's products to competitors' products • Assist with determining product pricing by utilizing market research data; reviewing production costs; anticipating volume; costing special and customized orders • Prepare all shipments of samples or prototypes that need to be presented to the client for approval. This includes follow up to the Client and Sales of impending shipments • Perform other related duties as assigned by the DPD
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
1. Manage deliverables on time and accurately as agreed upon.
2. Facilitate and manage productive meetings with cross functional teams and document the results.
3. Follow up with team members to ensure their respective tasks are on schedule within the agreed upon timeline.
4. Create project plan and maintain in MS Project to distribute accurate information in a timely manner
5. Monitor timeline progress and alert the DPD if the project deliverables are at risk. Adjust as necessary to ensure the successful completion of the project
6. Ensure that all design engineering and changes for the project are up to date and communicated to the team
7. BOMs prepared are 100% accurate
DESIRED PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: • Detail oriented and committed to the highest quality • Self-Starter with positive Can-Do attitude • Works well under pressure and relishes the responsibility that comes with the job • Sound technical abilities and eagerness to know more • An open-minded individual that embraces change and innovation
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION: • Bachelor of Science / Art degree in industrial design or fashion design
EXPERIENCE: • 1+ years of project management experience, including tracking and planning technical projects • 1+ years of experience developing and producing high quality consumer hard goods • 1+ years of experience with full product lifecycle with understanding of development lifecycle and various technology methodologies that support that lifecycle • Experience with various hard goods materials (metals, plastics) and manufacturing methods (forming, injection molding) is preferred • Excellent client-facing and internal communication skills • Excellent verbal communication skills to the factory partners (Mandarin is preferred) • Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills • Strong modeling knowledge of PTC Creo / Solidworks • Can work on complex problems and exceptions without direct supervision • Experienced working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment • Proven ability to successfully assist with projects and programs to on-time, on-schedule and within budget close • Proven ability to work in an ambiguous environment and collaborate across multiple areas to achieve a common business objective
Takeya USA is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.