Product Development and Project Delivery Lead

About Forté

Established in 1985, Forté is a family-operated company specializing in prefinished timber surfaces including flooring, panelling, veneers, decking, and exterior cladding. Recognized as a leading supplier in this industry, Forté is driven by a culture that values care in product design, customer service, and aftercare. The company is dedicated to sustainable timber solutions suitable for various environments and collaborates closely with architects, designers, builders, and homeowners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the complete product development lifecycle, from initial concept and feasibility assessment through to launch and commercialisation.
• Manage product lifecycle activities such as coordinating with suppliers and overseeing shipment logistics.
• Create and maintain project plans, timelines, and budgets to ensure deliverables are achieved on schedule and within financial plans.
• Facilitate coordination among cross-functional teams and communicate with stakeholders to ensure alignment and transparent progress tracking.
• Conduct market research to uncover opportunities and confirm product-market compatibility.
• Identify project risks and develop contingency strategies to promptly address challenges.
• Supervise quality assurance processes to comply with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and client expectations.
• Develop technical guides for products, and prepare business cases, forecasts, and metrics to inform decision-making.
• Document lessons learned to enhance future product development procedures continuously.

Candidate Requirements

• Demonstrated project management experience within construction or related industries, especially leading product development projects successfully.
• Deep understanding of construction products, materials, processes, technologies, and pertinent industry standards.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities to handle multiple complex projects and lead teams across functions.
• Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving capabilities and proficiency in project management software tools.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of effectively engaging both technical and non-technical audiences in writing and speaking.
• Proactive and solution-oriented mentality with meticulous attention to detail.
• Project management certifications are preferred but not mandatory.
• Experience in product innovation, launching new products, or commercialisation is a strong advantage.

Additional Information

Join a well-established, 35-year-old family business focused on advancing the next generation of timber-based products ranging from flooring to cladding and panelling. Based in Pukekohe, this position offers close collaboration with senior leadership on an expanding product roadmap and real opportunities for professional growth. You'll be part of a dynamic and engaged team where your contributions have significant impact.