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Product Development Consulting Jobs in Minnesota

IDeaS

Sr Product Manager

Minneapolis, MN · Hybrid

$130K - $172K/yr

... Product Development, Consulting or related function in the software/ technology industry * 1+ years working with SQL with the ability to write MySQL/ SQL Server queries proficiently to support ...

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Product Development Consulting information

How does a product development consultant typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

Product Development Consultants often serve as a bridge between different departments—such as engineering, marketing, design, and sales—by facilitating clear communication and aligning project goals. They participate in regular meetings, gather input from stakeholders, and ensure that all perspectives are considered in decision-making. This collaborative approach helps identify potential challenges early, streamline development processes, and increase the likelihood of a successful product launch.

What is the difference between Product Development Consulting vs Product Management?

AspectProduct Development ConsultingProduct Management
CredentialsTypically requires industry experience, technical knowledge, and consulting skillsRequires business, marketing, or technical degrees; often certifications like PMP or Scrum
Work EnvironmentConsults with multiple clients or projects, often in varied industriesWorks within a single company, managing its product lifecycle
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, freelance, or internal teamsProduct-driven companies, tech firms, startups
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding consulting roles vs product management rolesClarifying differences between product development consulting and product management

Product Development Consulting involves advising companies on creating and improving products, often across multiple clients or projects. Product Management focuses on overseeing a company's product lifecycle internally. While both roles require industry knowledge and strategic thinking, consulting emphasizes external client solutions, whereas product management centers on internal product success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a product development consultant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Product Development Consultant, you need expertise in market analysis, product lifecycle management, and a background in business, engineering, or design, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications. Familiarity with tools like project management software (e.g., Jira, Trello), prototyping platforms, and data analytics systems is typically required. Strong communication, creative problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills set top consultants apart. These abilities are crucial for guiding successful product launches and ensuring solutions align with client objectives and market demands.

What is product development consulting?

Product development consulting involves providing expert advice and support to organizations as they create and launch new products or improve existing ones. Consultants in this field help businesses identify market opportunities, refine product ideas, manage development processes, and bring products to market efficiently. They often offer guidance on strategy, design, prototyping, testing, and go-to-market plans, leveraging industry knowledge to reduce risks and increase the chances of product success.
What are popular job titles related to Product Development Consulting jobs in Minnesota? For Product Development Consulting jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Product Development Consulting jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Product Development Consulting jobs in Minnesota are:
Product Development Consulting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Development Consulting job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Product Development - Paper Products

Dahl Consulting

Minneapolis, MN • Hybrid

$26.31 - $48.87/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Title: Product Development Paper Products
Location: Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid | Onsite T/W/TH)
Job Type: Contract (3 Months)
Compensation: $26.31 - $48.87/hr
Industry: Retail
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About the Role
We are partnering with a leading national retailer to identify a Product Development professional specializing in Paper Products. Our client is a major consumer-products organization known for developing high-quality, owned-brand goods across a wide range of household categories. This role sits within a large, matrixed product development function and plays a critical part in keeping active work moving, managing technical and supplier risks, and helping cross-functional teams make clear, timely decisions.
This is an excellent opportunity for a technically grounded professional who thrives at the intersection of product knowledge, supplier management, and cross-functional leadership. Direct paper manufacturing experience is preferred, but candidates with relevant experience in nonwovens, absorbent products, fiber-based materials, packaging, converting, or adjacent manufacturing industries may also be a strong fit.
Job Description
This role requires a combination of technical product knowledge, strong cross-functional leadership, project management, and sound business judgment. The successful candidate will keep active work moving, manage technical and supplier risks, and help teams reach clear, timely decisions across paper product categories.
Technical and Product Leadership
  • Support product development, quality improvement, supplier transitions, cost savings, and innovation projects across paper categories.
  • Understand key product and manufacturing drivers, including material selection, product performance, specifications, testing, converting, and supplier capability.
  • Review technical data, identify risks, challenge unsupported supplier claims, and recommend practical solutions.
  • Distinguish between issues that require deeper technical work and those that can be resolved through sound judgment and timely decision-making.
  • Partner with suppliers and internal technical experts to resolve product, manufacturing, and quality issues.
Cross-Functional and Project Leadership
  • Lead projects across product development, sourcing, merchandising, quality, packaging, supply chain, finance, and supplier teams.
  • Create clarity around priorities, decisions, owners, risks, and next steps.
  • Manage multiple workstreams and focus attention on what is truly urgent and important.
  • Navigate a large, matrixed organization and move work forward with speed.
  • Escalate issues early when product quality, cost, timing, or supply is at risk.
Business and Supplier Management
  • Understand the business context behind product decisions, including consumer needs, cost, margin, competitive positioning, and supplier economics.
  • Balance product performance, cost, speed, sustainability, and supply risk.
  • Assess supplier strengths, limitations, and ability to deliver against technical and business needs.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Experience in paper products, tissue, towels, nonwovens, absorbent products, packaging, converting, or a related manufacturing field.
  • Strong project management and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to translate technical information into clear business decisions.
  • Experience working with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
  • Strong judgment and the ability to prioritize effectively in an ambiguous environment.
  • Clear, concise communication and a collaborative working style.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Direct paper manufacturing experience.
  • Commercial awareness and understanding of how product decisions affect the broader business.
  • A curious, adaptable working stylesomeone who listens carefully, learns fast, asks good questions, and builds alignment across teams.
Benefits
Dahl Consulting is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees that will allow you to choose the best coverage to meet your familys needs. For details, please review the DAHL Benefits Summary:https://www.dahlconsulting.com/benefits-w2fta/.
How to Apply
Take the first step on your new career path!To submit yourself for consideration for this role, simply click the apply button and complete our mobile-friendly online application. Once weve reviewed your application details, a recruiter will reach out to you with next steps!
Equal Opportunity Statement
As an equal opportunity employer, Dahl Consulting welcomes candidates of all backgrounds and experiences to apply. If this position sounds like the right opportunity for you, we encourage you to take the next step and connect with us. We look forward to meeting you!
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Company Description

Our promise is simple. DAHL has proven year after year that we are flexible, consistent and easy to work with, which is why our clients and consultants have stayed with us, and we've continued to grow throughout the years.
Our clients know they can depend on our efforts, as we hold their priorities in high regard. We genuinely care about each and every relationship and promise to work with the utmost of respect, integrity and high energy, as we continually strive to build long-term relationships.