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Product Development Lab Manager Jobs in Elgin, IL

Product Development Business Partner

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$118K - $147K/yr

This role reports to the Product Development Manager. Key Responsibilities * Draft and review Reinsurance contract wordings that meet business unit negotiated terms and comply with internal ...

Product Development Business Partner

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$118K - $147K/yr

This role reports to the Product Development Manager. Key Responsibilities * Draft and review Reinsurance contract wordings that meet business unit negotiated terms and comply with internal ...

Applications Engineering Tech

Elgin, IL ยท On-site

$32K - $75K/yr

As a Product Development Lab Tech you will be responsible for providing non-technical or basic ... Perform other duties and tasks as assigned by management Qualifications * HS Diploma or equivalent

As a Product Development Lab Tech you will be responsible for providing non-technical or basic ... Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon ...

As a Product Development Lab Tech you will be responsible for providing non-technical or basic ... Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon ...

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Showing results 1-20

Product Development Lab Manager information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$42K

$125.5K

$142.8K

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

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development lab manager in Elgin, IL is $125,528.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,200.00 and $141,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Product Development Lab Manager, you need a solid background in product development processes, laboratory management, and a relevant scientific or engineering degree. Familiarity with lab management software, quality control systems, and regulatory compliance certifications such as ISO standards is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive innovation and ensure effective coordination among cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for maintaining efficient lab operations, ensuring compliance, and delivering high-quality products on time.

What does a Product Development Lab Manager do?

A Product Development Lab Manager oversees the operations of a laboratory where new products are created, tested, and refined. They manage lab staff, ensure equipment is maintained, and ensure that research and development activities comply with safety and quality standards. Their role often involves coordinating between research teams, production, and quality assurance to bring new products from concept to market. They also play a key role in budgeting, resource allocation, and maintaining documentation for regulatory compliance.

How does a Product Development Lab Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development process?

As a Product Development Lab Manager, you will regularly collaborate with teams such as R&D, engineering, marketing, and quality assurance. This involves coordinating product testing, ensuring adherence to timelines, and communicating technical results to non-technical stakeholders. Effective collaboration is crucial for aligning product specifications, resolving challenges quickly, and ensuring that the final product meets both technical and market requirements. Strong communication and project management skills are key for success in this role.

What is the difference between Product Development Lab Manager vs Product Development Scientist?

AspectProduct Development Lab ManagerProduct Development Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Biology, or related field; management experienceDegree in Chemistry, Biology, or related field; research experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, overseeing teams, managing projectsLaboratories, conducting experiments, developing products
Employer & IndustryConsumer goods, pharmaceuticals, biotech companiesResearch institutions, R&D departments in similar industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles in product developmentResearching scientific roles in product creation

The Product Development Lab Manager focuses on overseeing laboratory operations, managing teams, and ensuring project timelines, while the Product Development Scientist is primarily involved in conducting experiments and developing new products. Both roles require relevant scientific credentials and work within similar industry environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What job categories do people searching Product Development Lab Manager jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Product Development Lab Manager jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Product Development Lab Manager jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Product Development Lab Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Product Development Lab Manager job openings in Elgin, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,528 per year, or $60.4 per hour.
Program Manager - New Product Development

Program Manager - New Product Development

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions

Downers Grove, IL โ€ข On-site

$114K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Program Manager - New Product Development
The Company
Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation is a thriving, values-driven company focused on doing the right things. We're a fast growing, publicly traded company (NYSE: ZWS), with an enduring reputation for integrity, giving back, and providing an engaging, inclusive environment where careers flourish and grow.
Named by Newsweek as One of America's Most Responsible Companies and an Energage USA Top Workplace, at Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation, we never forget that our people are at the center of what makes us successful. They are the driving force behind our superior quality, product ingenuity, and exceptional customer experience. Our commitment to our people and their professional development is a recipe for success that has fueled our growth for over 100 years, as one of today's leading international suppliers of plumbing and water delivery solutions.
Headquartered in Milwaukee, WI, Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation employs over 2800 employees worldwide, working from 24 locations across the U.S., China, Canada, Dubai, and Mexico, with sales offices available around the globe. We hope you'll visit our website and learn more about Zurn Elkay at zurnelkay.com.
If you're ready to join a company where what you do makes a difference and you have pride in the work you are doing, talk to us about joining the Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation family!
If you are a current employee, please navigate here to apply internally.
This position has overall responsibility for driving successful execution and delivery of new product development (NPD) programs from concept through launch. The Program Manager serves as the cross-functional leader responsible for achieving program objectives related to schedule, cost, quality, and launch readiness.
This role partners closely with Product Management, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Sourcing, Manufacturing, and Commercial teams to proactively drive accountability, manage interdependencies, mitigate risks, resolve execution challenges, and ensure adherence to the NPD process.
The ideal candidate is a highly proactive leader who drives alignment, accelerates timelines, removes barriers, and owns program outcomes.
Reports to: Sr. Director, Product Management
Key Focus Areas
  • Own successful execution of NPD programs from initiation through commercial launch
  • Drive achievement of committed program timing, cost, quality, and performance objectives
  • Develop and actively manage integrated program timelines, including critical path identification and recovery planning
  • Proactively identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and lead countermeasure activities to address deviations
  • Drive timeline acceleration opportunities through understanding of cross-functional dependencies and execution tradeoffs
  • Enforce NPD process rigor, including stage-gate deliverables, standard work, and launch readiness requirements
  • Identify gaps in current NPD processes and standard work; partner cross-functionally to improve execution effectiveness
  • Hold cross-functional teams accountable to commitments, deliverables, and action items
  • Lead program escalation discussions with clear problem statements, options, recommendations, and recovery plans
  • Facilitate effective executive and core team communication with clear prioritization of risks, decisions, and actions
  • Coordinate across Engineering, Product Management, Operations, Sourcing, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial teams to ensure successful launches
  • Drive decision-making and issue resolution to avoid program delays
  • Establish program governance, tracking mechanisms, and operating cadence to ensure visibility and accountability
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives related to NPD execution and program management effectiveness

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, business or related field, Master degree preferred
  • 8+ years' experience leading complex cross-functional product development programs
  • PMP Certification a plus
  • Demonstrated success managing schedule recovery, risk mitigation, and cross-functional execution
  • Experience operating within stage-gate or formal NPD process
  • Strong understanding of product development lifecycle, manufacturing readiness, validation processes, sourcing, regulatory considerations, and commercial launch requirements
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
  • Energy and desire to deliver high-quality projects on tight schedules
  • Candidate should have strong and effective decision-making skills
  • Strong leadership presence with ability to influence at all organizational levels
  • Strong interpersonal skills, positive attitude, an ability to engage and create trust in others to build and foster team relationships
  • Possess strong organization skills and ability to multitask
  • Strong ability to coach and mentor resources
  • Possesses general understanding in the areas of mechanical product design and manufacturing

Total Rewards and Benefits
  • Competitive Salary
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, AD&D, and Life Insurance
  • Matching 401(k) Contribution
  • Health Savings Account
  • Up to 3 weeks starting Vacation (may increase with tenure)
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Annual Bonus Eligibility
  • Educational Reimbursement
  • Matching Gift Program
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan - purchase company stock at a discount!

**THIRD PARTY AGENCY: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Zurn Elkay, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions.**
Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran