Program Manager, New Product Development

About the Role

At Wahl, innovation is driven by people who can turn complex ideas into real, market-ready products. As a Program Manager, you'll lead cross-functional product development programs from concept through launch, ensuring every detail—from engineering to execution—comes together seamlessly. You'll balance technical complexity, timelines, and business priorities while guiding teams toward high-quality outcomes in a fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development programs from initial concept through production launch, managing scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Finance teams
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including work breakdown structures, resource allocations, critical path analysis, and milestone tracking
• Chair project review meetings and stage-gate reviews, preparing materials and facilitating decision-making at appropriate organizational levels
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, prioritizing resources and resolving conflicts to optimize portfolio performance
• Work closely with Engineering teams to understand technical requirements, constraints, and risks associated with new technologies and design approaches
• Translate technical concepts and trade-offs for non-technical stakeholders, ensuring informed business decisions
• Identify technical dependencies and integration points across mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing workstreams
• Support technical teams in developing validation plans, design verification testing, and production qualification activities
• Understand manufacturing processes (injection molding, assembly, electronics integration) well enough to identify schedule and cost risks early
• Proactively identify program risks related to technology readiness, supplier capability, regulatory compliance, and market timing
• Maintain CRAID logs (Change Requests, Risks, Actions, Issues, Decisions) and drive resolution through appropriate channels
• Escalate critical issues to leadership with recommended solutions and decision frameworks
• Manage engineering change processes during development and launch phases
• Facilitate root cause analysis for program delays or failures and implement corrective actions
• Serve as the primary point of contact for program status, communicating progress, risks, and decisions to executive leadership
• Prepare executive-level presentations, business cases, and decision communications
• Build strong relationships with global manufacturing partners and suppliers, coordinating activities across time zones
• Foster a collaborative team environment that encourages innovation, problem-solving, and accountability
• Mentor junior project coordinators and support development of project management capabilities across the organization

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial) or equivalent experience
• 5-7 years of project/program management experience in consumer products, appliances, or related hardware industries
• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading product development projects from concept to production launch

Skills

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of product development processes and stage-gate methodologies, including Waterfall and Agile (Scrum, KanBan, SAFe, etc.)
• Working knowledge of mechanical design principles, injection molding, electronics integration, and manufacturing processes
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, CAD models, and engineering specifications
• Understanding of design validation, reliability testing, and production qualification requirements
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for consumer electrical products (UL, ETL, CE, FCC)

Project Management Expertise

• Proficiency with project management tools (Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Jira, or similar)
• Experience with both Waterfall/Stage-Gate and Agile methodologies; ability to adapt approach based on project needs
• Strong understanding of critical path analysis, resource leveling, and schedule optimization techniques
• Experience managing projects with Asian manufacturing partners and contract manufacturers
• PMP, PMI-ACP, or equivalent certification preferred

Professional Competencies

• Exceptional organizational skills with ability to manage complexity and ambiguity
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with data-driven decision-making approach
• Outstanding communication skills—both written and verbal—for technical and executive audiences
• Proven ability to influence without direct authority and build consensus across diverse stakeholders
• Results-oriented mindset with strong business acumen and customer focus
• Comfortable with international travel (10-15%) and working across multiple time zones

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in professional or consumer grooming products, beauty appliances, or personal care devices
• Knowledge of battery technologies, BLDC motors, and cordless product development
• Exposure to Lean principles, Design Thinking, or Lean UX methodologies
• Experience leading innovation or advanced technology development programs
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification a plus
• Experience with US-China collaborative development models

Core Competencies

• Ensures Accountability
• Plans & aligns
• Manages complexity
• Develops talent
• Courage

Benefits

• Low-cost BCBSIL medical, dental, and vision plans
• Generous company-matched 401(k) and profit sharing
• Tuition support to fuel your learning
• Paid holidays and a vibrant, casual work environment

At Wahl, you'll also enjoy a legacy of quality and innovation, a team that values your expertise and ideas, opportunities to grow and contribute to meaningful projects, and a culture built on respect, precision, and progress.