What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Development Manager position at Timberlab?
Job Description Summary
The Product Development Manager develops new products, manufacturing methods, and technical solutions from early-stage concept through validation and commercialization readiness. The role translates product requirements into technical definitions, candidate solutions, prototypes, testing programs, and evidence-based development recommendations.
Working closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Digital Construction, Operations, Architecture, and external consultants, this position supports major product-development initiatives and may independently lead appropriately scoped development efforts. The role combines technical product development, applied problem-solving, manufacturing integration, code and regulatory evaluation, and initiative leadership to help bring innovative timber-based products and systems to market.
Job Description
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
The Product Development Manager develops new products, manufacturing methods, and technical solutions from early-stage concept through validation and commercialization readiness. The role translates product requirements into technical definitions, candidate solutions, prototypes, testing programs, and evidence-based development recommendations.
Working closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Digital Construction, Operations, Architecture, and external consultants, this position supports major product-development initiatives and may independently lead appropriately scoped development efforts. The role combines technical product development, applied problem-solving, manufacturing integration, code and regulatory evaluation, and initiative leadership to help bring innovative timber-based products and systems to market.
Job Description
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
- Develop product, system, and manufacturing concepts that address identified customer, business, and operational needs.
- Translate product requirements into technical definitions, candidate solutions, and development plans.
- Produce and coordinate models, drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and technical studies.
- Evaluate alternative technical approaches and support concept comparison and selection.
- Integrate architectural, engineering, manufacturing, fabrication, installation, and commercial considerations into product-development activities.
- Maintain technical documentation throughout the development process.
- Define prototype objectives, configurations, measurements, and acceptance criteria.
- Develop prototype briefs and technical build information.
- Coordinate prototype development, testing, mockups, demonstrations, and physical investigations.
- Analyze prototype and test results and recommend design refinements.
- Support development of validation, certification, and commercialization readiness plans.
- Document development findings, technical assumptions, risks, and recommendations.
- Coordinate technical work with internal and external engineers, architects, consultants, manufacturers, fabricators, Digital Construction personnel, and other specialists.
- Facilitate communication among stakeholders to ensure technical alignment and effective execution.
- Support project planning, scheduling, and coordination activities for assigned initiatives.
- Present technical findings, development status, risks, and recommendations to leadership and project stakeholders.
- Support evaluation of building code requirements, regulatory considerations, product approvals, certification pathways, and industry standards relevant to product-development initiatives.
- Research technical, regulatory, and market constraints affecting product viability and implementation.
- Coordinate with internal and external subject-matter experts to develop compliant and commercially viable solutions.
- Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, building systems, manufacturing methods, and industry trends relevant to Timberlab products and markets.
- Lead appropriately scoped product-development initiatives when assigned.
- Coordinate contributors, manage technical workstreams, and support achievement of development objectives.
- Identify technical risks, development challenges, and resource needs, and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
- Support preparation of development deliverables, stage-gate reviews, and commercialization planning activities.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Engineering, Industrial Design, Construction Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in product development, engineering, design, manufacturing, construction, or a related technical discipline.
- Experience developing, evaluating, or implementing physical products, building systems, or manufacturing solutions.
- Experience producing technical documentation, drawings, specifications, models, or similar development deliverables.
- Ability to independently lead technical work and coordinate multidisciplinary contributors.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in an evolving development environment.
- Experience in mass timber, structural systems, prefabrication, modular construction, or advanced building products.
- Experience within architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, or industrial-product industries.
- Professional experience in architecture or working closely with architectural design teams.
- Experience with prototype development, testing, and validation programs.
- Familiarity with building codes, regulatory requirements, product certifications, and evaluation processes.
- Experience coordinating external consultants, testing agencies, and certification bodies.
- Proficiency with CAD, BIM, product-development, and project-management software platforms.
- Familiarity with stage-gate, Lean product development, or similar development methodologies.