Program Manager, New Product Development

At Teknion, our New Product Development team is always pushing forward, and as a Project Manager, you’ll be at the forefront of that movement. This role is key to guiding cross-functional teams from the initial concept and design through to the successful launch of innovative new products. We’re looking for someone who thrives on challenges and enjoys orchestrating complex projects to deliver tangible results.

This role isn’t just about managing tasks; it’s about inspiring teams and fostering collaboration to achieve shared goals.

What makes this a great opportunity?

• Working on diverse projects
• Working with partners who are experts in their fields
• High Visibility to Senior Leadership Team
• Working in a company that balances constant innovation with structured processes that enable a successful global operation
• Working in a sizable family-owned company that values connection between all levels of employees
• Work within a tight knit, supportive group of highly skilled and open minded Project Managers

What are the primary responsibilities for this role?

The Overall Mission of this position is the project management of the design and implementation of new standard product launches.

Project Management 

• Develop, optimize, communicate and continually evolve the comprehensive Project Plan.
• Build consensus around, and gain approval of the Project Plan with functional team leaders and executive sponsors; incorporating feedback where required.
• Proactively review plans to identify opportunities for efficiencies and enhancements.
• Drive project actions to completion
• Provide problem solving guidance
• Identify gaps in project task responsibilities, work with management to resolve these gaps quickly
• Chart new paths on non-standard or ambiguous projects; utilizing the framework of Project Management to provide guidance to the product development team

Communication

• Ensure that cross functional team members understand their responsibilities and the required timeframes associated with their assignments (Industrial Design, Marketing, Finance, Engineering, Manufacturing).
• Facilitate effective collaborative project team meetings and communications
• Continually monitor effectiveness of communication plans, adjust as necessary.
• Monitor and report on the status of the project plan and objectives, identify and elevate significant project decisions or deviations.
• Work with the project team to effectively present project status to internal stakeholder groups, including senior management

Risk Management

• Proactively manage risks throughout the entire project cycle, including analysis of problems and communicating effectively to stakeholders to ensure timely and proactive decision-making

Learning

• Facilitate post launch reviews (Lessons Learned) and continuously improve the Product Launch Process.
  Encourage engagement and communication across the Product Development teams to enable learning and collaboration.
• Investigating and introducing enhanced project management tools (best practices, templates, software etc.).

Special Projects

• Lead business process improvement projects within the Design & Corporate Marketing department and the company as a whole.

What are the key qualities needed for this role? 

• A core strength of excellent project management skills, capable of managing multiple diverse projects within a related field
• Successful track record in the field of Product Development
• Talented verbal and written form communicator, comfortable with leading group discussions
• Flexible, open minded and a great listener
• Strong collaborator and able to foster a collaborative work environment amongst project team members
• Balances big picture vision with the ability to dive deep into specific challenges
• Leads without authority, builds trusting relationships and fosters people oriented connections
• Demonstrates leadership and perseverance

What education & experience is preferred for this role?

• 5+ years of Project Management experience in a relevant industry
• Bachelors Degree in a field related to product development preferred.
• Project Management certification is an asset
• Experience with the Design and Development processes of a manufacturing organization
• Experience within the furniture industry is valuable
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials associated with commercial products
• Ability to travel internationally (infrequent)

The expected base salary range for this position will be $90,000.00 – $109,000.00. Final base salary offers will reflect an assessment of the selected candidate’s skills, demonstrated competencies, and adherence to our internal pay equity framework.

Teknion is committed to supporting a culture of diversity and accessibility across the organization, starting with the hiring process.  It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment and support a diverse workforce. Teknion welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

By applying for a position with Teknion, you understand that, should you be made an offer, it will be contingent on your undergoing and successfully completing a background check consistent with Teknion’s employment policies. Background checks may include some or all the following based on the nature of the position: SSN/SIN validation, education verification, employment verification, credit check and criminal check. You will be notified during the hiring process which checks are required by the position.