Vice President of Product Design & Engineering

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President of Product Design & Engineering leads the company's product development and innovation, emphasizing advanced engineering, cutting-edge design, and sustainable boat manufacturing practices. Overseeing product design, engineering, naval architecture, and research & development, this individual ensures the highest standards of performance, quality, and aesthetics. As a key member of the executive team, the VP sets the strategic direction for product development and supports the company's continued growth and market leadership.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Vision & Leadership:

• Define and implement a comprehensive design and engineering strategy that aligns with the company's vision for growth and product excellence.
• Oversee long-term product portfolio strategy, anticipating market needs and emerging trends in marine design, materials, and technologies.
• Act as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive leadership team, contributing to overall business strategy and goals.
• Serve as a member of the Product Council Committee for all new product development programs.

Innovation in Design & Engineering:

• Lead the design, engineering, and naval architecture teams in developing high-performance boats that reflect the company's reputation for durability and innovation.
• Drive the research and adoption of advanced materials, eco-friendly manufacturing techniques, and innovative design features to meet consumer demand and environmental standards.
• Ensure each design meets rigorous quality, safety, and regulatory standards, fostering a commitment to excellence in all product iterations.

Research & Development Management:

• Ensure R&D resources are aligned with new product development programs, including new plug and mold construction.
• Balance internal product design and engineering requirements with operational support needs.
• Encourage new and innovative approaches to creating new product development program (NPDP) tooling.

Operational Excellence & Process Improvement:

• Champion process improvements within product development, from initial concept through production, ensuring efficiency and collaboration across departments.
• Establish KPIs and performance metrics to track product quality, engineering efficacy, and team productivity.
• Oversee design validation and testing protocols to enhance product safety, performance, and reliability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with manufacturing, quality assurance, procurement, and marketing teams to ensure seamless execution from design through launch.
• Align closely with the sales and marketing teams to incorporate customer feedback and market insights into product design and development.

People Leadership & Team Development:

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-caliber team of engineers, designers, and naval architects, promoting a collaborative and innovation-driven culture.
• Foster an environment that encourages creativity, accountability, and technical excellence across the department.
• Drive succession planning and professional development initiatives to ensure team members grow their expertise and leadership capabilities.

Budget & Resource Allocation:

• Develop and manage the budget for the Product Design & Engineering department, allocating resources efficiently to meet business goals.
• Prioritize investments in new technologies, tools, and training that align with company objectives and industry advancements.

Industry & Compliance Expertise:

• Maintain in-depth knowledge of industry trends, competitor products, and regulatory standards relevant to marine design and production.
• Ensure all designs and engineering processes adhere to legal and safety regulations, promoting the company's commitment to compliance and environmental responsibility.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in product design and engineering within the marine industry, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and launching innovative products, with a strong track record of driving product strategy and lifecycle management.
• Proficiency in CAD software, materials science, and industry-specific engineering practices.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and work collaboratively with executive leaders.
• Strong business acumen, excellent communication skills, and a passion for marine design and product innovation.

Compensation:

• Compensation will be commensurate with experience.

Contact:

Louis Dodaro
[email protected]
[C] 312.560.7239
www.V20Recruiting.com
Marine, Powersports, OPE, Firearms & RV Recruiting & Consulting Services
V20 Recruiting + Consulting