Project Manager-Innovation

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!

With 1,300 employees, 19 global facility locations and selling into over 80 countries, the Johnson Outdoors team is continuing to grow!   This new Project Manager - Innovation will coordinate the overall timeline and track key deliverables throughout the stage gate process for new product development projects. Responsible for managing multiple projects from opportunity exploration and ideation through go-to-market planning and commercialization. Ensures the cross-functional teams are communicating effectively and next steps are clearly understood. Works closely with Brand Management to guide projects through gate reviews and collaborates with Engineering Project Management to coordinate the technical and engineering aspects of each project.

Key Responsibilities:

• Reviews project objectives and works with cross-functional team to determine required workflows and responsibilities based on the RACI and project type to create an overall project plan for a successful launch.

• Determines project schedules and timelines based on the project plan, calculating time requirements, and sequencing project elements across cross‑functional workstreams.

• Controls and monitors project plans; reviews changes to scope, specifications, plan, and schedules—recommends actions to improve project outcomes.

• Identifies and proactively manages project risks and issues; develops mitigation/contingency plans; escalates roadblocks and decision needs to stakeholders and sponsors as appropriate.

• Drives stage‑gate readiness by coordinating inputs and ensuring timely completion of required documentation, deliverables, and gate review materials; assures process discipline within project teams.

• Maintains accurate and up-to-date project documentation to ensure there is a single source of truth for the project team, leadership, and post-launch analysis.

• Communicates with project stakeholders on an ongoing basis. Prepares project status reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends; recommends actions as needed to improve outcomes.

• Supports project setup, tracking, and reporting using project management tools and systems to ensure accurate schedules, dashboards, and cross‑functional visibility.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

 What you need to succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, business, marketing or equivalent.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in project management.

• Strong project management skills demonstrating the ability to establish and accomplish product development objectives and drive stage‑gate discipline.

• Proactive management and problem‑troubleshooting techniques. Ability to identify root causes and drive resolution of blockers.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills to develop project documents and work with cross‑functional teams throughout the organization; able to present status and recommendations to leadership.
• Ability to manage projects of different complexity levels from straightforward derivative products to disruptive innovation that combines mechanical, electrical, and software development workstreams.

• Proficiency with project management tools such as Microsoft Project is required. Experience with Monday.com is preferred.

• Certification in stage‑gate and/or project management processes is preferred.

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 for 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, enjoy 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.