Head of Product Development (m/w/d)

Job DescriptionKEY RESPONSIBILITIESThe Manager, Product Development will drive the creation, execution, and delivery of product development initiatives within a defined brand. Reporting to the Director, Product Development, this role is responsible for managing product lifecycles from concept through production, ensuring alignment with business objectives, timelines, and cost targets. The Manager will collaborate closely with design/engineering resources and commercial partners to bring consumer-relevant products to market.Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:Product Development Execution: Manage day-to-day product development activities from concept through mass production, ensuring products meet design intent, quality standards, and business requirements.Product Concept Development: Project Management: 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.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 but not a requirement).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.Business acumen with ability to interpret product performance data and support decision-making.Why Guitar Center? Guitar Center offers robust benefits and perks, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K plus company match, mental health support, paid sick/holiday/vacation time, employee discount program, and tuition reimbursement options.This position is eligible to participate in the Guitar Center Company bonus program based on Company performance. Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. With a career at Guitar Center, you become part of the world's largest multichannel musical instrument retailer. Whether at our Stores, Contact Centers, Distribution Centers, or Support Center, Guitar Center employees have a common goal: to help people find their sound and fill the world with more music.Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. Merchandising