Product Line Manager Hard Armor

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the full product lifecycle from concept to end-of-life for hard armor lines.
• Define and execute product strategies that align with customer needs, market demands, and organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with R&D, Sales, Marketing, and Engineering to develop and refine product roadmaps.
• Maintain deep knowledge of industry standards (e.g., NIJ) and ensure compliance across all products.
• Engage in both pre-production (planning) and production (control and supervision) stages.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to ensure efficient, high-quality production output.
• Address real-time production issues and bottlenecks, making rapid decisions to minimize downtime and meet delivery goals.
• Ensure that customer orders are completed on time, within budget, and meet or exceed quality standards.
• Liaise between Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, and Customer Support to align strategy and execution.
• Communicate production goals, changes, and process improvements clearly across teams.
• Support the integration of customer feedback into continuous product and process improvements.
• Collect, analyze, and report on production and performance data.
• Deliver insights and updates to factory leadership and customers to ensure transparency and alignment.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process enhancements to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen.
• Identify and execute on opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
• Ensure that all production strategies align with broader company policies, operational goals, and compliance requirements.

Competencies

• Product Lifecycle Management: Oversee the full lifecycle of bulletproof vest products, from concept and development through production, launch, and ongoing support.
• Market Research: Conduct market analysis to understand customer needs, industry trends, and competitor activities, and use insights to shape product strategies.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and customer support teams to align product development and delivery goals.
• Customer Focus: Engage with law enforcement and military stakeholders to gather feedback, understand operational challenges, and ensure products meet end-user needs.
• Operational Oversight: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to establish process flows, production timelines, and capacity plans. Provide support to address production bottlenecks and maintain efficiency.
• Compliance and Standards: Ensure all products comply with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory standards, working closely with quality assurance and compliance teams.
• Data Analysis: Track product performance metrics, customer satisfaction, and market trends, and use data to guide product improvements and innovation.
• Decision-Making: Make informed decisions regarding product features, enhancements, trade-offs, and resource allocation to maximize product value and profitability.
• Cost Management: Work with finance and manufacturing teams to ensure products are developed and produced within budget while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Product Launch: Drive go-to-market strategies, ensuring successful product launches in collaboration with marketing and sales teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field; MBA or equivalent is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in product management, manufacturing operations, or production leadership—preferably within the personal protection/body armor industry.
• Experience working with law enforcement or military stakeholders is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of NIJ standards and body armor materials and production processes.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams, develop strategic product plans, and drive performance metrics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in data-driven decision-making.
• Familiarity with ERP/PLM systems and continuous improvement tools (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).

Legal Requirement

Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) to comply with federal contracting regulations. Must be a US person as defined by ITAR.

Language Proficiency

All candidates must be fluent in English, with the ability to speak, read, and write at a professional level.