Manager, Product Development

About the role

Drive the creation, execution, and delivery of product development initiatives within a defined brand. Manage product lifecycles from concept through production, ensuring alignment with business objectives, timelines, and cost targets. Collaborate closely with design, engineering, and commercial partners to bring consumer-relevant products to market.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day product development activities from concept through mass production, ensuring products meet design intent, quality standards, and business requirements.
• Partner with Merchandising and Planning teams to align on specifications, sourcing, cost, and delivery goals.
• Ideate and develop new product opportunities based on consumer and market insights.
• Incorporate user testing feedback into design improvements and final product specifications.
• Develop and maintain project timelines, track budgets, and coordinate deliverables to ensure on-time and on-cost product launches.
• Monitor performance targets and collaborate with testing/quality teams to validate durability, reliability, and experience benchmarks.
• Track product cost structures, support cost optimization efforts, and partner with sourcing on value engineering opportunities.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of product category trends, materials, and technical details to support development and cross-functional decision-making.
• Contribute to the creation of product documentation, troubleshooting guides, and FAQs to enhance customer experience.
• Model teamwork, problem-solving, and respectful communication, contributing to a positive and high-performance culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Design, Product Development, or related field.
• 5–7 years of progressive product development experience, ideally within consumer hard goods (Musical/Audio is a plus).
• Proven track record managing product lifecycles and contributing to profitable, consumer-centric launches.
• Strong project management skills, with experience coordinating cross-functional teams and navigating execution challenges.
• Familiarity with design thinking, user testing, and technical product development processes.
• Experience working with sourcing and supply chain partners to align on cost, quality, and manufacturability.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.
• Business acumen with ability to interpret product performance data and support decision-making.

Benefits

• Gig leave—take time off to share your music with the world and return to your job after your tour.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• 401K with company match.
• Mental health support.
• Paid sick, holiday, and vacation time.
• Employee discount program.
• Tuition reimbursement options.

Pay

$110,000–$130,000 depending on background and experience. Eligible to participate in the Guitar Center Company bonus program based on Company performance.