Product Development Manager

Department: Arcadia Custom Reports To: VP, Arcadia Custom Location: Phoenix, AZ (future relocation may be considered) Travel: Up to 25%; regular and as-needed travel to Tucson, AZ and Los Angeles, CA Position Summary The Product Development Manager is responsible for leading product development, engineering, manufacturing improvement, and cross-functional initiatives for Arcadia Custom's aluminum window and door product lines. This role will work closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to successfully develop and commercialize new products, improve existing products and processes, and drive operational efficiency. The Product Development Manager will provide hands-on technical and managerial leadership throughout the product lifecycle, from product concept and design through validation, commercialization, and ongoing production. The role will establish structured product development processes, identify opportunities for improvement, resolve technical challenges, and partner with Quality and Operations to support product and process quality. The role owns the product roadmap and product development budget, and will build a product development team of 2–3 over the next 12–18 months. This position requires a strong combination of engineering knowledge, product development experience, manufacturing understanding, project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership. Key Responsibilities Product Development & Engineering Lead product development and engineering activities across the division, supporting products from concept through production. Lead aluminum extrusion design and development for window and door systems, including profile design, thermal break integration, and collaboration with extruders and die suppliers. Lead glazing/IGU integration and hardware integration (locking, hinging, rolling, and operating hardware), ensuring structural, thermal, water, and operational performance. Plan and manage fenestration performance testing and certification, including NFRC thermal ratings, AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 (NAFS) rating, ASTM air, water, and structural testing (E283, E331/E547, E330), and applicable energy code requirements such as California Title 24. Manage and coordinate New Product Development and New Product Introduction activities, ensuring projects meet established requirements for quality, cost, timing, and manufacturability. Establish and maintain structured product development processes, including Stage-Gate reviews, design reviews, risk assessments, and project milestones. Lead product and process improvement initiatives focused on manufacturability, efficiency, reliability, performance, and cost. Review engineering designs, drawings, specifications, BOMs, and technical documentation to ensure accuracy and production readiness. Lead product testing, validation, certification, and compliance activities. Manage engineering changes, revisions, and product documentation to maintain accuracy and traceability. Partner with Manufacturing and Operations to identify production challenges, bottlenecks, and opportunities to improve efficiency and throughput. Own the development and implementation of the product roadmap aligned with customer requirements and business objectives. Partner with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for product innovation, value engineering, and continuous product improvement. Quality & Product Performance Partner with Quality and Operations to support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of quality processes related to product development and manufacturing. Support the establishment of product quality standards, inspection requirements, testing protocols, and technical documentation. Monitor product and process performance and identify trends, recurring issues, and opportunities for improvement. Participate in root cause analysis and corrective and preventive action initiatives to resolve product and process issues and prevent recurrence. Support internal audits, process assessments, product reviews, and quality improvement initiatives. Partner with Quality to monitor relevant product and process KPIs and support reporting to the VP of Arcadia Custom. Support compliance with applicable industry standards, customer requirements, and quality management systems. Support quality system certification, audit preparation, and ongoing process improvements as they relate to engineering and product development. Supplier & Manufacturing Development Partner with Supply Chain and Purchasing to support supplier qualification, development, and performance management. Establish technical and product quality expectations for suppliers in partnership with Quality and Supply Chain. Work with suppliers and internal teams to resolve material, product, design, and process-related issues. Support supplier readiness for new product launches, engineering changes, and production requirements. Identify opportunities to improve supplier quality, reduce incoming defects, and improve product consistency. Collaborate with Manufacturing teams to ensure new and existing products are designed for efficient and consistent production. Continuous Improvement Identify and implement opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, engineering workflows, product quality, and operational efficiency. Utilize Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies to improve processes and reduce waste. Analyze production, engineering, and quality data to identify trends, inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement. Lead cross-functional improvement projects and track results against established objectives. Develop standardized processes and best practices that can be implemented across multiple operations. Promote a culture of problem-solving, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Leadership & Collaboration Lead, coach, and develop engineering and product development team members, building a team of 2–3 over the next 12–18 months. Own the product development budget, including resources for hiring, prototyping, testing, and certification. Establish priorities, provide technical direction, and hold team members accountable for project and operational objectives. Collaborate closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Sales, and other departments. Serve as a technical resource for complex engineering, product development, manufacturing, and product quality issues. Communicate project status, risks, product development milestones, and improvement opportunities to the VP of Arcadia Custom and other leadership. Build effective working relationships with internal teams, suppliers, customers, and external partners. Support additional product development, engineering, and operational initiatives as needed. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field. 7+ years of progressive experience in engineering, product development, manufacturing, or a related technical environment. Demonstrated experience managing or leading new product development and product commercialization initiatives. Experience with structured product development processes such as Stage-Gate, NPD, or NPI. Experience developing, implementing, or improving product development, engineering, manufacturing, or quality processes. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, product development, product quality, and continuous improvement principles. Experience with root cause analysis, corrective actions, risk assessment, and problem-solving methodologies. Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and suppliers. Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to lead projects and influence cross-functional teams. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to travel up to 25%, including regular and as-needed travel to Tucson, AZ and Los Angeles, CA. Preferred Qualifications Experience in a multi-plant manufacturing environment. Experience with ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality management systems. Experience with supplier qualifications, supplier development, and supplier quality. Experience with PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, DFM/DFA, GD&T, product validation, and engineering change management. Experience with engineered products, architectural products, hydraulic systems, thermal systems, or similar manufacturing environments. Experience with aluminum extrusion design, thermal break technologies, glazing/IGU, and hardware integration for window and door systems. Experience with fenestration testing and certification, including NFRC, AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 (NAFS), and ASTM air, water, and structural testing. Experience implementing Stage-Gate or other structured product development processes. Experience with CAD, PLM/PDM, engineering documentation, and revision control systems. Experience developing and monitoring quality, engineering, and operational KPIs. Experience with risk management and product lifecycle management. Success Measures Success in this position will be demonstrated through measurable improvements in: New product development and launch execution Product quality and reliability Engineering and product development cycle time Manufacturing efficiency and throughput Supplier quality and incoming defect rates Product and process improvement Corrective action effectiveness and closure Process standardization and continuous improvement Engineering and manufacturing cost reduction Cross-functional project execution Product development project timing and milestone achievement Arcadia Products, LLC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Arcadia