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Manager Of Product Development Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Director of Product Management

Washington, IN · On-site

$200K - $209K/yr

Own and drive the product roadmap Lead the development and ongoing management of a forward-looking product roadmap, balancing short- and long-term priorities. * Lead the product lifecycle end-to-end ...

We continue to lead because of our world-class, inclusive workforce that puts the customer at the ... Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently Additional Information

The ideal candidate will be hands-on, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects in ... Product Development Engineering (Secondary Focus) * Assist with new product development and ...

... management, electrical, or Solidworks Enterprise PDM administration Demonstrated Physical Abilities Remain stationary for 50% of the time; move/traverse throughout the office to access file cabinets ...

Showing results 21-40

Manager Of Product Development information

See Indiana salary details

$40.4K

$120.8K

$137.5K

How much do manager of product development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager of product development in Indiana is $120,837.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $136,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manager of Product Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager of Product Development, you need strong expertise in product lifecycle management, market research, and cross-functional team leadership, often supported by a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Agile project management software, product roadmapping platforms, and data analytics systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, creative problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills help you excel in this role. These competencies ensure products are developed efficiently, align with market needs, and deliver meaningful value to both customers and the business.

What does a Manager of Product Development do?

A Manager of Product Development oversees the creation and improvement of products from concept to launch. They coordinate cross-functional teams—including engineering, marketing, and design—to ensure products meet market needs, quality standards, and business goals. Their responsibilities include setting development timelines, managing budgets, and guiding product strategy based on customer feedback and market research. They play a crucial role in driving innovation and ensuring the successful delivery of new products.

How does a Manager of Product Development typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product lifecycle?

A Manager of Product Development works closely with cross-functional teams such as engineering, marketing, sales, and design throughout the product lifecycle. They facilitate communication between departments to ensure product requirements are clearly understood and timelines are met. This role often involves leading meetings, resolving conflicts, and aligning different teams towards shared goals, making strong interpersonal and project management skills essential. Effective collaboration helps deliver products that meet customer needs and business objectives.

What does a product development manager do?

A product development manager oversees the creation and improvement of products, coordinating cross-functional teams such as engineering, design, and marketing. They develop product strategies, manage project timelines, and ensure products meet customer needs and business goals, often using tools like project management software and data analysis. Strong leadership, communication, and industry knowledge are essential for success in this role.

Is being a BDM a stressful job?

A Business Development Manager (BDM) role can be stressful due to targets, client negotiations, and workload management. The level of stress varies based on industry, company culture, and individual skills in sales and relationship building.

What is the difference between Manager Of Product Development vs Product Manager?

AspectManager Of Product DevelopmentProduct Manager
Primary FocusOversees product development teams, manages product lifecycle from development to launchDefines product vision, gathers requirements, and prioritizes features
ResponsibilitiesTeam management, process optimization, technical coordinationMarket research, stakeholder communication, product strategy
Required SkillsTechnical knowledge, leadership, project managementMarket analysis, communication, strategic planning
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, engineering, cross-functional collaborationMarketing, sales, customer feedback, cross-functional teams

The Manager Of Product Development primarily focuses on leading development teams and managing the technical aspects of product creation, while the Product Manager concentrates on defining product strategy, understanding customer needs, and guiding the product's market success. Both roles are essential in the product lifecycle but differ in scope and daily responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Of Product Development jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Of Product Development jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Manager Of Product Development jobs in Indiana? For Manager Of Product Development jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Manager Of Product Development jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Manager Of Product Development jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Manager Of Product Development jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Manager Of Product Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Manager Of Product Development job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,837 per year, or $58.1 per hour.
Product Development Engineer - Soft Goods

Product Development Engineer - Soft Goods

Central Garden & Pet

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Central Garden & Pet rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Central Garden & Pet

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 74,318 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Central Garden & Pet

  • 97%

    97% say they get paid breaks

    say they get paid breaks

  • 94%

    94% say it is easy to take sick days

    say it is easy to take sick days

  • 94%

    94% say they don’t worry about hours

    say they don’t worry about hours

Featured by Central Garden & Pet, based on 41 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Description

ABOUT THE COMPANY
Central Home Brands is a division of Central Garden & Pet, focused on designing and manufacturing soft goods (outdoor cushions, pillows, and pet products) for both Retail and eCommerce.
 
ABOUT THE ROLE
We’re building the next generation of outdoor and pet products—and we’re looking for a Product Development Engineer to help bring them to life. You’ll work hands-on with products, collaborate directly with manufacturing, and have real influence on how products are designed and produced at scale.
 
The Product Development Engineer will focus on engineering initiatives at our Fort Wayne, IN manufacturing facility, while working closely with cross-functional partners, including Product Development, Design, Sales, Operations, and Sourcing. The ideal candidate has experience in textile engineering and demonstrates a strong work ethic, flexibility, and attention to detail.  They will leverage their experience in product design, materials, manufacturing processes, and quality systems to ensure products meet performance, cost, and aesthetic requirements.
 
This position reports to the Director of Product Development and may be based in Bingham Farms, MI (Corporate) or Fort Wayne, IN (Manufacturing Plant). Domestic travel between 25% to 50% is required.
 
If you’re excited about building consumer products from concept to production in a collaborative, hands-on environment, we’d love to hear from you!
 
What You’ll Do
  • Engineer products from concept through validation, to enable volume manufacturing. This includes specification development, prototyping, and testing.
  • Lead projects or small teams within product engineering, with opportunities to grow into broader technical or people leadership responsibilities.
  • Leverage prior experience with textiles, soft goods, and sewing techniques to achieve the desired product goals.
  • Develop and maintain 3D product models and technical specifications to support domestic and international prototyping.
  • Identify opportunities for cost reduction, product improvement, and process optimization.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Product Development, Design, Item Setup, and Production teams to ensure engineering accuracy and alignment as products transition from development to production.
  • Manage technical documentation, item specifications, and product data within CAD and PLM systems.
  • Provide leadership input across Technical Services processes, with scope to take ownership of key areas such as engineering drawing specifications, bills of materials, routing set-up, cut layouts, packing guidance, rate evaluations, and standard operating procedures.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of material technologies, manufacturing processes, and consumer product trends relevant to Technical Services and Product Development and actively share insights that inform team strategy and product decisions.
  • Contribute to additional projects and initiatives as business needs evolve. 
Professional Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in textile engineering, soft goods, or a related field
  • Proven ability to lead teams or projects, with experience transitioning from individual contributor to first-level people leadership.
Required Skills:
  • Proficiency with CAD Software (Auto CAD, Turbo CAD, or similar)
  • Proficiency with 3D Modelling Software (Clo3D or similar)
  • Ability to create and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and BOMs
  • Strong competency in Microsoft Office Programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Highly detail-oriented, with the ability to manage accuracy while maintaining a big-picture perspective.
  • Flexibility to support special projects across Product Development Engineering, R&D, and Manufacturing beyond daily responsibilities.
  • Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and visual) to describe technical details in a relatable way to a variety of audiences.
  • Excellent project management and organizational abilities
  • Strong understanding of materials used in soft goods: fabric, fiber, foam, etc.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience using Product Lifecycle Management software
  • SAP experience
  • Familiarity with ASTM, ISO, or other relevant testing standards
  • Experience working with overseas manufacturing
  • Experience developing products for outdoor, pet, or home goods categories 
  • Experience with Packaging Engineering
  • Experience or prior work with electrical components (i.e. heating elements)

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

  • Paid Time Off – Enjoy paid vacation days, holidays, and a floating holiday!
  • Top-Tier Health Coverage – Comprehensive health insurance benefits include medical, dental, vision, accident, disability, dependent life, and other voluntary options.  Our Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are available with a company-funded stipend.
  • Peace of Mind – Employer-paid Life Insurance
  • Secure Your Future – A competitive 401(k) plan with employer match to help you plan ahead.
  • Family First – Paid Parental Leave so you can focus on what matters most.
  • Grow With Us – We support your journey with Education Assistance for college degrees and professional certifications.
  • Career Advancement – Opportunities for career advancement and internal mobility.
  • Never Stop Learning – Unlock access to thousands of free online courses through our Learning & Development platform.
  • Celebrate You – Our Employee Recognition Programs spotlight your achievements and contributions.
  • Support When You Need It – Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.
  • Perks Galore – Enjoy discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.
 
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
#LI-MJ1

Working at Central Garden & Pet

Perks for frontline workers

From Central Garden & Pet, via Breakroom

  • Safety is a top priority!

  • Paid Vacation

  • Paid Holidays

  • Paid Sick Time

  • Paid Breaks

  • Consistent shift and schedule

  • Comprehensive Health Insurance

  • 401k with Company Match

  • Referral Program with Cash Bonus

  • Education Assistance

  • Paid Parental Leave

About Central Garden & Pet, in their own words

From Central Garden & Pet

Our leading consumer and professional brands provide forward-thinking, high quality products to care for your lawn, garden, pets and community. We are committed to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger.

Company values

From Central Garden & Pet

The Central Way | We Do the Right Thing | We Strive to be the Best | We are Entrepreneurial | We Win Together | We Grow Every Day | We are Passionate

Diversity and inclusion statement

From Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet is committed to building a great place to work that embraces diversity as a key pillar of our culture. This is a journey, and we are committed to listening, learning and doing the work to move forward together.


What Central Garden & Pet employees say

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