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Product Development Director Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

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Product Development Director information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$71.9K

$161.3K

$240.9K

How much do product development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development director in Milwaukee, WI is $161,269.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,600.00 and $182,800.00 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Product Development jobs in Milwaukee, WI?

The most popular types of Product Development jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

What job categories do people searching Product Development Director jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Product Development Director jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

What cities near Milwaukee, WI are hiring for Product Development Director jobs?

Cities near Milwaukee, WI with the most Product Development Director job openings:

Product Development Director jobs near you

Sr Director & Actuary - Annuity Product Development

Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$240K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Northwestern Mutual rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

173rd of 315 rated insurance

Job description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
  • For one or more risk product lines (life, annuities, disability income and long-term care), develop and execute product development strategies that leverage our fundamental company advantages, understand the markets in which the product line is most relevant, and ensure execution in coordination with a broad variety of departments across the company.
  • May assist the product line leader in the development of product line strategies to maximize sales growth and ensure achievement of healthy product line financial results.
  • Continually evaluate and refine the Company's risk products, including developing new products and adding product enhancements and features to remain competitive and increase sales and market share. This will include both evolution as well as more innovative approaches to risk products. In addition to core risk products, design and develop solutions for adjacent markets and products, as well as disruptive approaches to the financial security market.
  • Liaison to all levels of the field in order to proactively seek input on desirable products, features, and benefits. Use field insight, as well as client insight, to design and develop new products and features. Maintain co-creation with the field throughout the product development process.
  • Provide representation and advocacy for risk product lines in cross-departmental project teams focusing on compliance, supervision, regulatory issues, servicing, marketing and sales strategies, cross-selling and financial security planning, and coordinate efforts where necessary.
  • Analyze competitors' products, features, and benefits to determine how NM can best compete. When warranted, make recommendations that NM offer such types of products, features, and benefits.
  • Ensure that projects are completed to meet schedule, scope, and budget.
  • Assist the field and other home office staff on product questions.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Actuarial Science, marketing or related field plus a minimum of ten years of experience in insurance product development, competitive research, product compensation, or other areas of the risk product insurance industry.
  • Actuary background required.
  • Demonstrated ability to think and implement strategically.
  • Proven ability to lead decision making process through idea sharing and consensus building.
  • Demonstrated successful project leadership experience at Northwestern Mutual, or relevant external experience, with a keen focus on aligning project goals with Company strategy.
  • Strong knowledge of risk products.
  • High degree of personal initiative and self-motivation; ability to work on concurrent efforts, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
  • Effective communication skills with the ability to build rapport and gain acceptance of people at all levels in the home office and field; demonstrated ability to prepare and deliver clear and smooth presentations and well as convey information clearly and effectively in written format.
  • Series 6 & 26 required or successful completion within six months.

Desirable Qualifications:
  • MBA degree, JD degree, FSA designation, CLU designation, CPA designation, or other relevant degree or professional designation.
  • Fifteen years experience in life insurance product development, competitive research, product compensation, or other areas of the life insurance industry.

Skills You Have
  • Actuarial Expertise & Financial Analysis: Apply actuarial knowledge and analytical judgment to evaluate product design, financial performance, pricing considerations, and risk.
  • Annuity Product Development & Management: Develop and refine annuity products, features, and strategies that respond to client, field, competitive, and business needs.
  • Strategic Thinking & Learning Agility: Analyze complex issues, anticipate future implications, and quickly build knowledge in unfamiliar products, markets, or business environments.
  • Business Influence & Decision Leadership: Challenge established thinking, build consensus, and influence product decisions across leadership and business partners.
  • Cross-Functional Product Execution: Coordinate stakeholders, manage dependencies, and move complex product initiatives from strategy through implementation.

This position has been classified as a Registered Representative under NMIS guidelines and requires fingerprinting.Series 26 - FINRA, Series 6 - FINRA
Compensation Range:
Pay Range - Start:
$160,000.00
Pay Range - End:
$240,000.00
Geographic Specific Pay Structure:
Structure 110:
Structure 115:
We believe in fairness and transparency. It's why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you're living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.
Grow your career with a best-in-class company that puts our clients' interests at the center of all we do. Get started now!
Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes talented individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.

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About Northwestern Mutual

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for over 160 years through a distinctive planning approach that integrates risk management with wealth accumulation, preservation, and distribution. With more than $290 billion in assets, $30 billion in revenues and more than $1.9 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.6 million clients. People are the power behind Northwestern Mutual, and diversity makes us better. We are committed to reflecting and serving the marketplace. We do so by attracting and improving the engagement of those who bring their outstanding perspectives, ideas, and beliefs.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US

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