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Product Development Director Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

At Accuray, we make a direct and powerful impact on the lives of cancer patients every day ... Support the Product Development group in assembly, optimization, testing, and documentation of new ...

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Product Development Director information

See Wisconsin salary details

$73.7K

$165.2K

$246.8K

How much do product development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development director in Wisconsin is $165,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,700.00 and $187,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a product development director do?

A Product Development Director oversees the creation and improvement of products from concept to launch. They lead cross-functional teams, manage project timelines and budgets, and ensure that products meet market needs and company goals. This role involves strategic planning, market research, and collaboration with engineering, marketing, and sales departments. Product Development Directors also monitor industry trends and customer feedback to guide future product innovation.

What are the typical cross-functional collaborations for a product development director, and how do they influence project outcomes?

Product Development Directors frequently work with teams across marketing, engineering, design, finance, and supply chain to ensure projects align with business goals and customer needs. These collaborations are crucial for balancing technical feasibility, market demands, budgeting, and timelines. Engaging stakeholders early and maintaining open communication channels helps anticipate challenges and maintain project momentum, ultimately leading to more successful product launches and stronger market positioning.

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

AspectProduct Development DirectorProduct Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple product teams, sets strategic direction, manages product portfoliosFocuses on specific products, manages product lifecycle, gathers customer requirements
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, engineering, or related fields; extensive experience in product management or developmentUsually requires a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related fields; experience in product management
Work EnvironmentStrategic, leadership-focused, often in senior management settingsOperational, detail-oriented, often in cross-functional teams

The Product Development Director and Product Manager roles differ mainly in scope and strategic focus. The Director oversees multiple products and sets long-term strategies, while the Product Manager handles specific products' day-to-day development and customer needs. Both roles require relevant experience and credentials, but the Director's position is more leadership and strategy-oriented.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a product development director?

To thrive as a Product Development Director, you need expertise in product lifecycle management, strategic planning, market analysis, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software, product roadmap tools, and methodologies like Agile or Scrum is frequently required, as well as experience with budgeting and cross-functional team leadership. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help you inspire teams, align stakeholders, and drive innovation. These competencies are vital for successfully guiding products from concept to market, ensuring they meet customer needs and business goals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Product Development jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Product Development jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Product Development Director jobs in Wisconsin? For Product Development Director jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Product Development Director jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Product Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Product Development Director job openings in Wisconsin 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, with an average salary of $165,215 per year, or $79.4 per hour.

Senior Director, Product Development & Improvement - DSMI

Direct Supply, Inc.

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:
Direct Supply is building the future of healthcare technology with industry-leading products, solutions and platforms to help improve the lives of millions of seniors and those who care for them.
In the Senior Director, Product Development & Improvement - DSMI position, you'll lead a high-performing team of engineers and a program manager to drive innovation, product excellence, and continuous improvement across Direct Supply's proprietary brands. You'll oversee the end-to-end product development system-combining technical depth, execution rigor, and business acumen to deliver cost-effective, high-performing solutions that meet market needs and accelerate company growth.
Skills Needed:
  • Champions Innovation - Propels teams to unlock value with cutting-edge, tech-enabled innovations. Stays ahead of the tech curve, ready to embrace the next big thing. Leads with an entrepreneurial mindset and takes calculated risks.
  • Drives Accountability & Results - Sets clear goals and ensures team members deliver top-notch results. Uses data and tech to boost accountability, pushing everyone to excel individually and as a team.
  • Thinks Strategically - Anticipates future trends and aligns actions with long-term objectives. Draws on broad knowledge to craft future-focused plans that effectively translate strategy into action.
  • Demonstrates Executive Presence - Ignites enthusiasm and inspires trust and confidence. Effortlessly captivates customers and Executives. Exudes a commanding presence while keeping cool and staying humble.
  • Demonstrated technical expertise in product development, with proven results delivering innovative, cost-effective proprietary products.
  • Excellent ability to lead complex engineering and program execution across innovation, cost-out, and quality initiatives.
  • Strong decision-making grounded in business impact, execution velocity, and customer insight.
  • Experience leveraging AI and automation to improve engineering efficiency and drive consistent outcomes.

What You'll Do and Impact:
  • Lead and develop Engineering and Program Management teams, driving accountability, alignment, and high-quality execution across all DSMI product initiatives.
  • Own and optimize the full product development system, from concept to commercialization, across new products, cost-out, and improvement efforts.
  • Translate business strategies into actionable engineering and execution roadmaps that fuel growth and operational excellence.
  • Champion the use of AI and automation to enhance development efficiency, reduce time-to-market, and ensure delivery consistency.
  • Partner with Category, Supply Chain, and Sales to align product development with customer needs and strategic goals.
  • Oversee program budgets, forecasts, and resource planning to ensure alignment with investment priorities and business outcomes.
  • Proactively manage risk, resolve cross-functional issues, and ensure technical decisions meet both regulatory and commercial requirements.

Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Design, Industrial, or related field required); advanced degree a plus
  • 12+ years of experience in engineering and product development, with 10+ years in leadership roles
  • Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams across Engineering, Program Management, and Operations
  • Experience in regulated, consumer product, or healthcare-adjacent industries preferred
  • Track record of delivering customer-centric innovations, margin improvements, and product scaling in complex environments
  • Ability to travel by car and/or plane up to 15%
  • Valid, unexpired driver's license with satisfactory driving record

Additional Items of Interest:
  • Experience in a Stage Gate or PMO-driven innovation system strongly preferred
  • Voice of Customer experience and iterative design methodology highly valued

Job to be performed in the location listed. Generous benefit package available.
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