Product Development Lab Manager Jobs in Wheeling, IL

Note: This is a Marketing Product Development role!
Title: Product Manager
Summary:
Reporting to the Director of Marketing, the Product Manger's primary responsibility is to manage the Product Development process from idea through concept into launch. This position is responsible for managing products throughout the product lifecycle, gathering and prioritizing product & customer feedback, defining the product vision and working closely with engineering to deliver winning products. It also includes collaboration with sales, marketing, and customer care to ensure revenue and customer satisfaction goals are met.
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Essential Functions:
• Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously across both Norix and Tonik brands, navigating projects at varying stages of development with a clear understanding of distinct market needs, customer profiles, and competitive dynamics for each brand.
• Identify and develop product opportunities in emerging and growth markets, with a focus on closing market gaps and building a pipeline that supports long-term revenue goals.
• Create and execute detailed product briefs for all new products and line extensions, including estimated costing, return on investment, product positioning, key selling points, competitive landscape, and project timelines; maintain and update briefs throughout the entire development cycle.
• Gather market intelligence and customer feedback by collaborating with the Market Insights & Design Specialist, Sales Reps, and customers to validate new product concepts and prototypes.
• Lead the Cross-Functional Team through the development process, introducing approved concepts, establishing timelines, setting clear expectations, and holding the team accountable to deadlines.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to translate new products into compelling sales support materials, including brochures, spec sheets, and marketing collateral for print and digital efforts.
• Manage product categories across the full lifecycle, identifying opportunities for line extensions, flagging mature products for repositioning, and recommending discontinuations based on sales data and market relevance.
• Review margin reports and product profitability on an ongoing basis; conduct SKU-level cost impact analysis in response to supplier pricing changes and make recommendations on pricing adjustments or product drops supported by sales history and profitability data.
• Manage the Special Make-Up (SMU) process from request through delivery, including scoping, pricing, timeline management, and cross-functional coordination with engineering and customer care.
• Develop and deliver product training for sales and customer care teams on new and existing products, ensuring the field is equipped to sell and support effectively.
• Prepare and present product updates and launch presentations to the sales team, customers, and executive leadership as needed.
Other Duties/Responsibilities:
• Build and maintain a network of outside resources, industry influencers, and key contacts across market sectors to test and collaborate with new ideas, gather prototype feedback, and stay ahead of market trends.
• Manage outside design consultants, ensuring deliverables are on time, on budget, and aligned with product vision.
• Own the product launch checklist and coordinate sign-offs from all key stakeholders prior to go-live.
• Communicate product adds, drops, and changes to internal stakeholders via product update memos on an ongoing basis.
• Explore opportunities with outside vendors to enhance, optimize, or expand the product offering.
• Travel as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, each at different stages of development, without losing attention to detail or missing deadlines.
• Exceptionally organized and detail-oriented, with strong follow-through and the ability to hold others accountable to timelines and deliverables.
• Deep understanding of end-to-end product development processes in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data, margin reports, and market research to drive sound product decisions.
• Self-starter who takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward without waiting to be directed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively up, down, and across the organization, from factory floor to executive team.
• Ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities, timelines, and market conditions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office;
• Ability to adhere to the company's attendance policy, including regular and punctual attendance.
Education/Experience:
• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing or Design
• 5+ years working experience in leading product management efforts in a manufacturing environment. Contract furniture industry experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time.
• General office environment - ability to sit, stand, walk, reach, talk, hear, carry, push, pull
Benefits:
Annual bonus opportunity based on achievement of company goals.
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- BCBS medical
- Company-paid dental insurance (for employees)
- Company-paid disability & life insurance
- FSA, vision, accident & ID theft insurance
- 401(k) with competitive company match
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Social events & casual dress code
- Beautiful campus with electric car charging stations, walking trails, pickleball court, soccer field & fitness center.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Norix is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Drug Free Workplace: Norix is a Drug Free Workplace where post-offer applicants are subject to testing. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a drug test.
E-Verify: Norix participates in the E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.
Salary Description
$80,000- $105,000