Innovation Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Wahl Empowers People To Be Their Best!

Lead Programs That Bring Ideas to Life

At Wahl, innovation doesn't happen by chance-it's driven by people who can turn complex ideas into real, market-ready products. As a Program Manager, you'll lead cross-functional product development programs from concept through launch, ensuring every detail-from engineering to execution-comes together seamlessly.

You'll operate at the center of it all-balancing technical complexity, timelines, and business priorities while guiding teams toward high-quality outcomes. If you thrive on solving problems, aligning teams, and delivering results in fast-moving environments, this is where your leadership makes an impact.

This position may sit in the Sterling Headquarters location or our Rosemont, IL location.

What You'll Do

As a Program Manager, you'll lead product development programs end-to-end while ensuring alignment, visibility, and execution across teams. Your day-to-day will include:

• Lead end-to-end product development programs from initial concept through production launch, managing scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Finance teams
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including work breakdown structures, resource allocations, critical path analysis, and milestone tracking
• Chair project review meetings and stage-gate reviews, preparing materials and facilitating decision-making at appropriate organizational levels
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, prioritizing resources and resolving conflicts to optimize portfolio performance
• Work closely with Engineering teams to understand technical requirements, constraints, and risks associated with new technologies and design approaches
• Translate technical concepts and trade-offs for non-technical stakeholders, ensuring informed business decisions
• Identify technical dependencies and integration points across mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing workstreams
• Support technical teams in developing validation plans, design verification testing, and production qualification activities
• Understand manufacturing processes (injection molding, assembly, electronics integration) well enough to identify schedule and cost risks early
• Proactively identify program risks related to technology readiness, supplier capability, regulatory compliance, and market timing
• Maintain CRAID logs (Change Requests, Risks, Actions, Issues, Decisions) and drive resolution through appropriate channels
• Escalate critical issues to leadership with recommended solutions and decision frameworks
• Manage engineering change processes during development and launch phases
• Facilitate root cause analysis for program delays or failures and implement corrective actions
• Serve as the primary point of contact for program status, communicating progress, risks, and decisions to executive leadership
• Prepare executive-level presentations, business cases, and decision communications
• Build strong relationships with global manufacturing partners and suppliers, coordinating activities across time zones
• Foster a collaborative team environment that encourages innovation, problem-solving, and accountability
• Mentor junior project coordinators and support development of project management capabilities across the organization

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial) or related technical discipline; MBA or advanced degree preferred
• 5-7 years of project/program management experience in consumer products, appliances, or related hardware industries
• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading product development projects from concept to production launch

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of product development processes and stage-gate methodologies, include Waterfall and Agile (Scrum, KanBan, SAFe ,etc.)
• Working knowledge of mechanical design principles, injection molding, electronics integration, and manufacturing processes
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, CAD models, and engineering specifications
• Understanding of design validation, reliability testing, and production qualification requirements
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for consumer electrical products (UL, ETL, CE, FCC)

Project Management Expertise

• Proficiency with project management tools (Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Jira, or similar)
• Experience with both Waterfall/Stage-Gate and Agile methodologies; ability to adapt approach based on project needs
• Strong understanding of critical path analysis, resource leveling, and schedule optimization techniques
• Experience managing projects with Asian manufacturing partners and contract manufacturers
• PMP, PMI-ACP, or equivalent certification preferred

Professional Competencies

• Exceptional organizational skills with ability to manage complexity and ambiguity
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with data-driven decision-making approach
• Outstanding communication skills-both written and verbal-for technical and executive audiences
• Proven ability to influence without direct authority and build consensus across diverse stakeholders
• Results-oriented mindset with strong business acumen and customer focus
• Comfortable with international travel (20-25%) and working across multiple time zones

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in professional or consumer grooming products, beauty appliances, or personal care devices
• Knowledge of battery technologies, BLDC motors, and cordless product development
• Exposure to Lean principles, Design Thinking, or Lean UX methodologies
• Experience leading innovation or advanced technology development programs
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification a plus
• Experience with US-China collaborative development models

Core Competencies

• Ensures Accountability
• Plans & aligns
• Manages complexity
• Develops talent
• Courage

Why You'll Love Wahl Clipper

We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being and growth, including:

• Low-cost BCBSIL medical, dental, and vision plans
• A generous company-matched 401(k) and profit sharing
• Tuition support to fuel your learning
• Paid holidays and a vibrant, casual work environment

But that's just the beginning. At Wahl, you'll also enjoy:

• A legacy of quality and innovation.
• A team that values your expertise and ideas.
• Opportunities to grow and contribute to meaningful projects.
• A culture built on respect, precision, and progress.

Ready to Lead What's Next?

If you're a program leader who thrives on driving alignment, solving complex challenges, and delivering innovative products to market, we'd love to meet you. Apply today and help bring the next generation of Wahl products to life.