Vice President of Product Development

Role Overview

The Vice President of Product Development will steer the full creation cycle for new consumer products in the outdoor sector. This position is responsible for guiding engineering and project management functions, and for working in close coordination with overseas manufacturing partners so that products move from idea to commercial release efficiently, within budget, and aligned with brand standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the complete new product development process, covering concept creation, design, prototyping, validation, and launch.
• Make sure products satisfy expectations for performance, quality, cost, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead, coach, and expand engineering and project management teams.
• Build a work environment centered on accountability, teamwork, and ongoing improvement.
• Set strong standards for product development, documentation, testing, and change control.
• Work directly with overseas factories and suppliers to develop, engineer, and prepare products for production.
• Oversee development schedules, tooling, sampling, and readiness for manufacturing.
• Spot development, quality, and supply-chain risks early and put mitigation plans in place.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product management, sourcing, quality, operations, sales, and marketing teams.
• Ensure development priorities are aligned with business goals and seasonal planning cycles.
• Increase development efficiency by introducing standardized processes and tools.
• Assess new materials, technologies, and production methods for potential adoption.
• Contribute to long-range product strategy and platform planning.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience leading several development teams across different functions and aligning them toward successful delivery of business-driven projects.
• Strong background in new product development cycles, project planning, and bringing products to market.
• Ability to manage complex development programs across multiple product lines and brands.
• Deep understanding of product design, engineering, materials, manufacturing processes, and quality systems.
• Forward-looking mindset with the ability to apply technology practically and build systems that support future growth.
• Significant experience partnering with overseas factories, preferably in Asia, and understanding international business practices and cultural differences.
• Excellent communication and leadership capabilities.
• Background in the outdoor industry is preferred, along with familiarity with its market forces, direction, and operating environment.
• 15 or more years of experience in consumer product development.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience at VP or Director level managing engineering and project management teams.
• 10 or more years of travel to overseas factories.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely related equivalent.
• MBA or comparable advanced degree.

Additional Information

This is a full-time position based onsite in Henderson, Nevada.

Industry-specific experience in outdoor consumer products is considered highly valuable.

No compensation, bonus, perk, or application-deadline details were provided in the source.