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Product Development Lab Manager Jobs in Oak Brook, IL

PLS

Senior Product Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Senior Product Development Manager is responsible for identifying, evaluating, developing, and launching new product opportunities that drive strategic growth for the organization. As a member of ...

Humetis Group

Product Development Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Serve as a technical steward of brand standards, contributing to product innovation, renovation, and change management initiatives. * Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing ...

Glanbia

R&D Lab Support Technician

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$23/hr

... management, equipment readiness and maintenance, sanitation, safety compliance, pilot and bench ... This person will be involved in tasting a variety of product types and subsequently exposed to them.

ITW

New Product Development Engineering Manager

Glenview, IL · On-site

$111K - $139K/yr

Why This Role Matters The New Product Development Engineering Manager at ITW Mechanical Fastening, a division of ITW, plays a critical role in shaping the future of some of the construction industry ...

Glanbia

R&D Lab Support Technician

Downers Grove, IL

$23/hr

... management, equipment readiness and maintenance, sanitation, safety compliance, pilot and bench ... This person will be involved in tasting a variety of product types and subsequently exposed to them.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProduct Development Lab JobsProduct Development Lab Manager JobsProduct Development Lab Manager Jobs in Oak Brook, IL

Product Development Lab Manager information

See Oak Brook, IL salary details

$42.9K

$128.2K

$145.8K

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development lab manager in Oak Brook, IL is $128,159.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,600.00 and $144,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a product development lab manager?

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 are popular job titles related to Product Development Lab Manager jobs in Oak Brook, IL? For Product Development Lab Manager jobs in Oak Brook, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Oak Brook, IL are hiring for Product Development Lab Manager jobs? Cities near Oak Brook, IL with the most Product Development Lab Manager job openings:
Product Development Lab Manager jobs near you

Senior Product Development Manager

PLS

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

This job is located at 1 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL, 60606
PLS® Overview:
Why PLS? Because You Deserve Better!® PLS - which stands for People - Location - Service - is a leading retail provider of financial services. The "P" comes first, because our customers are at the center of everything we do, and we recognize that it's our exceptional team members who go above and beyond every day. The PLS Group, headquartered in Chicago, is comprised of over 200 financial service centers in 12 states. Through our check cashing stores, we provide consumers with convenient financial products and services to help them manage their day-to-day financial needs. Although many of our customers have banking relationships, we believe that our customers use our financial services because they are convenient, transparent, and frequently more affordable than available traditional alternatives. PLS was founded in 1997 by Bob and Dan Wolfberg, who serve as Co-Presidents.
Position Overview:
The Senior Product Development Manager is responsible for identifying, evaluating, developing, and launching new product opportunities that drive strategic growth for the organization. As a member of the Product organization, this role leads the early stages of innovation by uncovering customer needs, assessing market opportunities, building business cases, and validating new product concepts before they move into full-scale development and commercialization.
This role serves as a catalyst for growth, partnering across our Product, Marketing, Operations, Technology, Finance, and Legal teams to evaluate opportunities through the lenses of desirability, feasibility, and viability. The Senior Product Development Manager will own a portfolio of innovation initiatives and guide concepts from initial idea through launch readiness.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Identify and evaluate new product, service, and customer experience opportunities that align with our strategic business objectives.
  • Monitor industry trends, market dynamics, competitive activity, emerging technologies, and customer needs to uncover growth opportunities.
  • Develop and maintain a pipeline of innovation concepts and new product opportunities.
  • Facilitate ideation sessions and cross-functional workshops to generate and refine new concepts.
  • Lead customer discovery efforts to understand unmet needs, pain points, and opportunities for differentiation.
  • Conduct market research, competitive analysis, customer interviews, and concept testing.
  • Develop customer personas, value propositions, and problem statements to support product development.
  • Validate assumptions and gather evidence to support investment decisions.
  • Build comprehensive business cases for new product opportunities, including market sizing, revenue projections, cost estimates, pricing strategies, and profitability analyses.
  • Assess risks, dependencies, investment requirements, and potential returns.
  • Develop recommendations and present findings to Product leadership and executive stakeholders.
  • Establish success metrics and measurement frameworks for proposed initiatives.
  • Lead the evaluation of new opportunities using a structured innovation framework.
  • Design and execute pilots, prototypes, proof-of-concepts, and validation activities.
  • Partner with our Operations, Technology, Legal, Compliance, and Finance teams, as well as other stakeholders to assess implementation requirements and risks
  • Collaborate with Product Managers and delivery teams to transition validated concepts into development and launch.
  • Support go-to-market planning, including positioning, pricing, sales enablement, training, and launch readiness activities.
  • Track product performance post-launch and identify opportunities for optimization and growth.
  • Ensure learnings are captured and incorporated into future innovation efforts.
  • Lead and influence cross-functional teams without direct reporting authority.
  • Drive alignment among stakeholders and facilitate decision-making throughout the product innovation lifecycle.
  • Promote a customer-centric and data-driven approach to innovation across the organization.
  • Support the development and continuous improvement of innovation processes, frameworks, and best practices.

Job Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree required in one of the following preferred disciplines: Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, Engineering, or Computer Science
  • 10+ years of experience managing products, product development, and managing products within financial services
  • Experience leading product development end to end
  • Distinctive problem solving, organizational, and analytical skills with the ability to evolve strategy based on research, data, and industry trends
  • Development of key metrics to analyze product data for revenue analysis and future projections
  • Exceptional presentation and communication skills
  • Proven problem-solver with the ability to leverage analytics and consumer knowledge to identify opportunities
  • Strong critical thinking skills with a deep understanding of customer needs and the market landscape
  • Exceptional customer focus with the ability to utilize customer insights and feedback to drive decisions
  • Must be a collaborator who challenges ideas not people
  • Work well with ambiguity and changing/shifting priorities

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
  • This role requires regular in-person collaboration with team members at our Chicago Support Center.
  • Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs. with little assistance

Benefits:
Benefits for eligible team members include medical/dental/vision, 401(k), vacation, opportunities for advancement, and ongoing training.
We strive to demonstrate our Core Values in all positions at PLS:
Communication • Customer Focus • Integrity and Trust • Teamwork • Results
PLS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. PLS is a drug-free workplace. PLS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify your Recruiter or a member of our Human Resources team at talentacquisition@pls247.com to make arrangements. The decision on granting accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
For jobs located in the City of Los Angeles, consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment
Illinois Pay Band
$145,000-$157,000 USD

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