PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT DESIGN MANAGER

Product Development Design Operations Manager

Our company culture is built upon YKK's philosophy called the CYCLE OF GOODNESS. We believe that providing value and being fair to our customers and our employees is what makes us a successful company in return. Guided by our core values and fundamental behaviors, we strive to foster a caring company, committed employees and challenging work that benefits our employees, customers, and communities. We offer competitive compensation packages, training and advancement opportunities. YKK AP America provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package designed to provide the security they need to enjoy life at home and at work. By providing a high level of benefit coverage at a reasonable cost to the employee, we hope to foster a long and productive employment relationship.

Position Summary

The Product Development Design Operations Manager at YKK AP is responsible for leading and developing a team of design engineers to deliver product development solutions that meet business objectives. This role bridges technical execution with organizational strategy by setting direction, managing project delivery, and fostering a collaborative environment where engineers can thrive. This manager is responsible for ensuring alignment between product goals and engineering execution while balancing technical excellence, business needs, and team growth.

Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the annual Product Development schedule in alignment with strategic business priorities.
• Partner with Marketing, Sales, Engineering, and Manufacturing to define product objectives and translate them into actionable development initiatives.
• Provide direction, assign responsibilities, and oversee daily operations of the design engineering team to ensure successful execution of Product Development themes.
• Identify and analyze market trends, research competitor products, and solicit stakeholder input to drive continuous improvement and innovation in new and existing products.
• Collaborate with Product Development Technical Services Manager in the preparation of certification programs and technical documentation, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and quality standards are met.
• Manage engineering change requests by prioritizing resources, budget, and business impact in collaboration with Product Development leadership.
• Support budget planning for testing, certifications, and consultant services in partnership with Product Development and Technical Services leadership.
• Monitor updates to building codes, testing requirements, and industry standards (IBC, IRC, AAMA / FGIA, EnergyStar, etc.), and communicate implications to relevant teams.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations, project updates, and recommendations to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Maintain and update Product Development project plans, providing regular progress reports to the executive team.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture or building construction is required. A minimum of 10 years of experience in the Commercial or Residential Construction industry with a minimum of 3 years in an engineering manager role. The following certifications would be beneficial : AAMA / FGIA Fenestration Masters; LEED AP (Accredited Professional); CPM (Certified Product Manager). Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing engineering teams. Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize competing initiatives. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills. Strong project management skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple stakeholders to identify needs, develop strategies, and execute action plans aligned with the Product Development business plan. Proven ability to drive results in complex, fast-paced, and evolving business environments. In-depth knowledge of commercial and residential building products, building codes and performance testing standards. Able to travel up to 25%.

Recruiter Contact

Ashley Little ASHLEYLITTLE@YKKAP.COM