Director Engineering Project Management

At Johnson Outdoors, home to some of the world’s most innovative and best-known outdoor recreation brands, we create amazing outdoor experiences - for adventurers, by adventurers. Check out each of the unique Johnson Outdoor brands in Fishing, Watercraft, Camping and Diving!

We are seeking a highly skilled Director Engineering Project Management to lead the execution of R&D, New Product Development (NPD) and Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives while also driving the development, standardization, and implementation of engineering methods, procedures, and policies. With 1,300 employees, 19 global facility locations and selling into over 80 countries, the Director Engineering Project Management will ensure operational excellence, innovation velocity, and product integrity across our global consumer durables portfolio.

Note: This role can be located in Alpharetta, GA or Mankato, MN

Leadership and Strategy:

• Develops and implements global project management strategies and methodologies to ensure successful project delivery.
• Provides leadership and direction to multiple project management teams, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Collaborates with senior leadership to align engineering projects with the organization’s strategic objectives.
  
  
  

Project & Program Leadership:

• Leads cross-functional teams in the successful delivery of R&D, NPD, and VA/VE projects from concept through commercialization.
• Defines and oversees project scope, timelines, budgets, and risks to ensure alignment with strategic business goals.
• Oversees project portfolio governance, prioritization, and resource planning.
  
  
  

Engineering Process Development:

• Designs, implements, and continuously improves standardized engineering processes, tools, and documentation practices.
• Develops and enforces engineering policies and procedures to ensure consistency, compliance, and quality across global teams.
• Collaborates with engineering, quality, and operations to align processes with product lifecycle and regulatory requirements.
  
  
  

Training & Capability Building:

• Creates and leads training programs to upskill engineering and project management teams on best practices, tools, and methodologies.
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and technical excellence.
• Serves as a mentor and coach to project managers and engineering leads.
  
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partners with product management, manufacturing, operations, and quality to ensure seamless integration of engineering and business objectives.
• Facilitates effective communication and decision-making across global stakeholders.
  
  
  

Other:

• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

Supervisory/Management Responsibilities:

• Prepares and approves department budgets while ensuring budgets are managed within approved guidelines.
• Develops and approves departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines to meet business needs.
• In partnership with human resources, performs human resources responsibilities for staff which includes but is not limited to the following: hiring and terminating employees, promotions/pay adjustments, staff development, performance evaluations, resolution of employee concerns and disciplinary counseling.
  
  
  

What you need to succeed:

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, project management or equivalent.
• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible engineering project management experience which includes at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Expertise in overseeing/directing project management from concept development to implementation and evaluation. In-depth understanding of project management methodologies, and knowledge of best practices in project planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.
• Proven success leading R&D and NPD projects as well as implementing VA/VE initiatives.
• Experience with global product development and distributed engineering teams.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira) and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Stage-Gate, Lean).
• Familiarity with PLM systems, DFMEA, DFM/DFA, and design control processes.
• Experience in hardware/software integrated product development and smart/connected devices.
• Comprehensive knowledge of various engineering fields such as mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering. Understanding of engineering processes, standards, and regulations.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, financial forecasting, and cost control. Knowledge of financial principles related to project management, including ROI analysis and resource allocation.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide multiple project management teams across different locations. Proven ability to build and maintain high-performing teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to effectively partner with multiple departments internally to successfully bring products to market and collaborate with external vendors as needed. Ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including senior leadership, stakeholders, and team members.
• Strong ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including product management, operations, quality assurance, and external partners.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) or similar products. Proficiency with project management software and tools.
  
  
  

A few pointers about our culture:

• Entrepreneurial spirit and innovation are in our bones! We authentically innovate trusted equipment that gets people out in the great outdoors.
• We are laser-focused on our consumers, and passionate about providing superior solutions flexible to meet any event’s needs or mission requirements.
• We strive to create meaningful, healthy change in the world as individuals and as a family of brands.
• We value team members who are willing to wear many hats; who take personal initiative, anticipating what needs to be done, and figuring things out to make them happen; but who are also willing to ask help, to assist others and work together.
  
  
  

What you will receive:

• Share in the company’s success with competitive base salary with additional earning potential through participation in the management bonus program, and eligibility for annual pay increases.
• Find work/life balance with generous Paid Time Off and holiday benefits, a full benefits package, and broad range of employee support and fitness and wellness plans.
• Further your career with performance development and training opportunities, including our tuition assistance program.
• Have fun at work, enjoying a collaborative and casual work environment, participating in fun company events, and taking advantage of great employee discounts on all our outdoor recreational products.
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) with company match and deferred retirement contributions, Sons & Daughters Scholarship program, college savings program, life and LTD insurance, and more.
  
  
  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at Johnson Outdoors (and all subsidiaries) without regard to race; creed; color; religion; national origin; sex; age; disability; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; genetic predisposition or carrier status; veteran, marital, or citizenship status; or any other status protected by law. Johnson Outdoors is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact Human Resources at HRSpecialAccommodations@johnsonoutdoors.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global innovator of outdoor recreation equipment and technologies that inspire more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft Recreation, Fishing, Diving and Camping. Johnson Outdoors' iconic brands include: Old Town® canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak™; Carlisle® paddles; Minn Kota® fishing motors, batteries and anchors; Cannon® downriggers; Humminbird® marine electronics and charts; SCUBAPRO® dive equipment; Jetboil® outdoor cooking systems. Founded in 1970 by Samuel C. Johnson, the Company has delivered double-digit compound annual growth over its history, evolving from a single brand into a nearly $663 million global enterprise with around 1,300 employees across 20 countries.