Hardware Program Manager

Handi Quilter is looking for a customer-oriented, detail-obsessed Hardware Product Manager to own the definition and implementation of our long-arm machine and frame portfolio. In this executive-facing role, you will translate customer and business insights into clear product direction and deliver on-time, at-cost, high-quality launches in close partnership with Engineering, Software, Operations, Quality, Marketing, Sales, and Customer Care. 

What You’ll Do 

• Set the vision and strategy for the long-arm portfolio (machines, frames, accessories), with clear value propositions by segment. 
• Build multi-year roadmaps with product leadership and cross-functional partners to drive growth and differentiation. 
• Define requirements and product briefs: customer experience, performance, reliability/quality, cost targets, and manufacturability. 
• Align hardware/software interactions and cross-discipline tradeoffs. 
• Lead customer discovery and validation (research, usability, betas) to shape personas, prioritization, and pricing/packaging inputs. 
• Drive execution through development gates (concept → launch), delivering on time, on cost, and at quality. 
• Partner with Marketing, Sales, and Customer Care on launch readiness (positioning, training, documentation, service strategy). 
• Define success metrics; track post-launch performance and drive corrective actions. 
• Own the lifecycle: SKU and compatibility strategy, refreshes/line extensions, end-of-life, and margin/COGS levers. 

What You Bring 

Required Qualifications 

• 5–7 years of product management experience with physical products (hardware), including end-to-end ownership from concept through launch and lifecycle management. 
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing product processes (e.g., product discovery, requirements management, roadmap governance, launch readiness). 
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional project teams to successful launches, balancing scope, schedule, cost, and quality. 
• Strong customer research capability: ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative insights into clear requirements and prioritization. 
• Executive-ready communication: ability to craft compelling narratives, influence stakeholders, and present recommendations with clarity and confidence. 
• Business and market acumen: understanding of competitive landscapes, segmentation, pricing/packaging considerations, and portfolio strategy. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in startup or high-growth environments; track record of sustainably scaling product lines and improving execution maturity over time. 
• Experience working on electromechanical products with embedded software, UI/UX, connectivity, and/or firmware update workflows. 
• Familiarity with manufacturing considerations (DFM/DFA, supplier selection, cost-down, quality systems, reliability testing, serviceability). 
• Experience in consumer enthusiast categories and/or maker/creative communities (e.g., sewing, quilting, crafts) and an understanding of how to engage passionate users. 
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent practical experience). 

Core Competencies 

• Master storyteller: You can connect customer truths, product strategy, and technical decisions into a narrative that aligns teams and inspires action. 
• Systems thinker: You balance machine, frame, and accessory considerations as one cohesive experience—spanning ergonomics, performance, service, and software interaction. 
• Decisive prioritizer: You make clear tradeoffs and drive focus amid constraints. 
• High ownership: You are accountable for outcomes and comfortable operating with ambiguity. 
• Collaborative leader: You bring teams together across disciplines and functions, building trust while holding a high bar for quality. 
• Customer-obsessed: You seek direct user input and use it to shape requirements, validation, and launch readiness. 

Measures of Success 

• On-time launch performance against committed milestones and launch gates. 
• Cost and margin performance vs. targets (COGS, tooling, warranty/service cost). 
• Quality and reliability outcomes (e.g., defect rates, returns, service incidents, reliability test pass rates). 
• Customer satisfaction and advocacy (e.g., CSAT/NPS, reviews, support sentiment). 
• Portfolio growth outcomes (segment revenue, mix, and new-user acquisition), aligned to 5-, 3-, and 1-year plans.