Overview

Lester Building Systems has an exciting Product Development Manager opportunity in our Lester Prairie, MN office. Our success is based on "people" who have a "can do attitude". Lesters' is constantly seeking forward thinking individuals to design, market and produce our wood frame building systems. Our ability to attract and develop management and professional talent for the many functions of Lester Building Systems is what makes us the market leader. 

The heritage and history of Lester Buildings is one that our employees take a great deal of pride in. Lester Buildings Systems, LLC is a privately owned company with nearly 150,000 Lester buildings dotting the American landscape. It has been our employees' innovation and commitment to quality that has grown the company from its modest beginnings to being an industry leader with multiple manufacturing and construction locations.

The Product Development Manager oversees staff that manages Lester’s proprietary design estimating software (Improv) and is responsible for the overall execution of innovative initiatives and implementation of product development. The individual will utilize a holistic view by seeking out concerns of internal and external stakeholders regarding costs, aesthetics, manufacturing, construction, and ease of transport to ensure appropriate objectives and priorities are enabled within the organization. The successful candidate will be capable of identifying concerns, as well as solutions.

Responsibilities

• Senior staff position working collaboratively with Lester’s President as a strategic member of the management team to lead Improv and product development, the implementation and application processes for the organization’s overall success.
• Work with VP of Engineering Services to develop product engineering documents (PED) as the basis for standardized design.
• Work with Lester PEs to ensure standard design practices remain code compliant.
• Stay informed of building code changes.
• Vigilantly review reported incidents of issues with or failures of Lester products seeking to identify patterns early and make needed adjustments to design methods or products.
• Design and execute tests, build prototypes, and utilize 3-D structural modeling as needed to answer questions critical to development of new products or procedures.
• Collaborate with Lester teams to develop algorithms, product, and business rules producing positive results in moving projects through Order Entry and Order Management.
• Cultivate relationships with other businesses supporting Lester needs.
• Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Sales and Marketing to ensure we have the breadth of product and support needed to grow market share.
• Achieve proficiency in the use of Lester’s proprietary estimating/sales software application (Improv) and other applications.
• Preparation, monitoring and management of the department’s annual operating plan.

Qualifications

• Position is office based at the Lester Prairie, MN facility.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or related field preferred.
• Professional Engineering License is preferred.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and overall computer skills.
• 10 years of experience in wood frame metal building industry is ideal.
• Experience in the engineering of buildings, building materials, construction business development or similar experience is preferred.
• Strong background in the markets Lester Buildings serves; agricultural, livestock, equestrian, commercial, suburban and residential is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and sound judgment in decision making.
• Ability to multi-task and work collaboratively as well as independently in a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to effectively communicate with a wide variety of internal/external individuals and teams.
• Must be a detail-oriented, self-starter with strong organization skills.
• Ability to work with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Benefits

We offer a competitive pay based on experience. Full-time benefits package includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, PTO and Holiday Pay, Bonuses, 401k Savings Plan, and Short and Long Term Disability. 

EEO/AA Employer