Senior 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 Senior Project Manager - Innovation coordinates the overall timeline and tracking of key deliverables throughout the stage-gate process for new product development projects. Manages multiple projects of varying complexity from opportunity exploration and ideation through go-to-market planning and commercialization. Ensures 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 translates them into actionable project plans, partnering with cross-functional teams to define scope, workflow, roles, and responsibilities using RACI frameworks and project type requirements.
• Develops and manages project schedules and timelines, sequencing activities and managing interdependencies across cross‑functional workstreams to enable timely and effective product launches.
• Monitors and controls project plans including scope, specifications, schedules, and assumptions. Evaluates impacts of changes and exercises judgment to recommend actions that optimize project outcomes.
• Proactively identifies, assesses, and manages project risks and issues. Develops mitigation plans and escalates risks, trade-offs, and decision points to sponsors and stakeholders as appropriate.
• Drives stage‑gate readiness by coordinating cross‑functional inputs and ensuring timely completion of required documentation, deliverables, and gate review materials. Enables effective gate reviews through thorough preparation and follow‑up.
• Reinforces stage‑gate process discipline and best practices across project teams to support consistent execution and governance.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date project data to serve as a single source of truth for project teams, leadership, and post‑launch analysis.
• Communicates project status, risks, dependencies, and recommendations to stakeholders. Prepares project updates by identifying trends, performance indicators, and key next steps.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

What you need to succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, business, marketing or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management including leading cross-functional new product development projects.
• 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 and issues.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to develop project documents and work with cross‑functional teams throughout the organization. Ability to clearly communicate status, risks, and recommendations to leadership.
• Ability to manage projects of different complexity levels from straightforward derivative products to complex and cross disciplinary initiatives that combine mechanical, electrical and software development workstreams.
• Proficiency with enterprise 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.