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Product Development Lab Manager Jobs in Oak Brook, IL

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 5, 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 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.

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.

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 job categories do people searching Product Development Lab Manager jobs in Oak Brook, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Product Development Lab Manager jobs in Oak Brook, IL 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:

Program Manager - New Product Development

Elkay

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Own the successful execution of new product development programs from initiation through commercial launch.

  • Develop and manage integrated program timelines, identify risks, and lead mitigation activities to address deviations.

  • Coordinate across cross-functional teams to ensure program objectives are met and facilitate effective communication with stakeholders.


Job description

Project Manager – New Product Development

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.

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’s degree preferred
  • 8+ years of 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
  • Strong decision‑making and leadership presence with ability to influence at all organizational levels
  • Strong interpersonal skills, positive attitude, and ability to engage and build trust in others
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask
  • Strong ability to coach and mentor resources
  • General understanding of mechanical product design and manufacturing
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

Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran

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