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Product Development Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sr Product Manager - Seasonings

Geneva, IL ยท Hybrid

$123K - $163K/yr

This position will combine technical product development expertise with business leadership, market understanding, customer segmentation, and financial analysis. The Senior Product Manager will help ...

Sr Product Manager - Seasonings

Geneva, IL ยท On-site

$123K - $163K/yr

This position will combine technical product development expertise with business leadership, market understanding, customer segmentation, and financial analysis. The Senior Product Manager will help ...

Sr Product Manager - Seasonings

Geneva, IL ยท Hybrid

$123K - $163K/yr

This position will combine technical product development expertise with business leadership, market understanding, customer segmentation, and financial analysis. The Senior Product Manager will help ...

You'll work in a collaborative environment alongside experienced scientists and contribute to real product development. What You Might Work On * Participating in general laboratory operations ...

You'll work in a collaborative environment alongside experienced scientists and contribute to real product development. What You Might Work On * Participating in general laboratory operations ...

You'll work in a collaborative environment alongside experienced scientists and contribute to real product development. What You Might Work On * Participating in general laboratory operations ...

You'll work in a collaborative environment alongside experienced scientists and contribute to real product development. What You Might Work On * Participating in general laboratory operations ...

Ensure that customers are satisfied with products and services. The individual will make recommendations to management regarding product development, pricing, and sales projections. Key ...

Showing results 21-40

Product Development information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$41.7K

$124.6K

$141.8K

How much do product development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development in DeKalb, IL is $124,638.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,400.00 and $140,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is product development?

Product development is the process of creating new products or enhancing existing products to improve market value. It includes all aspects of research, design, testing, and marketing. Product development takes months or years to implement properly because marketers and analysts watch market trends over time to determine whether a product is satisfying a consumer need or want.

What is product development?

Product development is the process of creating new products or improving existing ones to meet customer needs and business goals. It involves several stages, including idea generation, market research, design, prototyping, testing, and launching the product to the market. Product development often requires cross-functional collaboration between teams like marketing, engineering, design, and manufacturing. The goal is to deliver a product that provides value to customers and stands out in the marketplace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in product development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Product Development, you need expertise in market research, project management, and product lifecycle understanding, often supported by a degree in engineering, business, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Agile software, prototyping platforms, and product management systems (e.g., Jira, Trello) is typically required. Creativity, strong communication, and cross-functional collaboration are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure the creation of innovative, user-centric products that successfully reach the market and meet business goals.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in product development, and how can they be addressed?

Product Development professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing customer needs with technical feasibility, managing cross-functional team communication, and meeting tight deadlines. Navigating these issues typically involves clear prioritization, regular stakeholder check-ins, and fostering a collaborative environment with engineering, design, and marketing teams. Utilizing agile methodologies and maintaining open feedback channels can also help streamline processes and ensure alignment on project goals.

What is the difference between Product Development vs Product Management?

AspectProduct DevelopmentProduct Management
Primary FocusDesigning, creating, and building productsStrategizing, planning, and overseeing product lifecycle
Required SkillsTechnical skills, engineering, designMarket research, communication, leadership
Work EnvironmentEngineering teams, R&D, technical departmentsCross-functional teams, executive meetings
Common CertificationsEngineering degrees, technical certificationsProduct management certifications (e.g., PMP, Scrum)

Product Development focuses on creating and building products, involving technical and engineering tasks. Product Management involves strategizing, planning, and guiding the product's lifecycle, requiring strong market and leadership skills. While they collaborate closely, their core responsibilities differ: one builds, the other manages the product's success.

What cities near DeKalb, IL are hiring for Product Development jobs?

Cities near DeKalb, IL with the most Product Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Product Development job openings in DeKalb, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,638 per year, or $59.9 per hour.

Senior Product Manager

Ball Horticultural Company

Elburn, IL โ€ข On-site

$95 - $115K/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
PanAmerican Seed, a division of Ball Horticultural Company, is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Product Manager to lead the development and lifecycle management of a defined portfolio of crops. Ball is the largest flower seed breeder/producer and distributor in the world, providing outstanding products, best-in-class customer service, and reliable supply to professional growers around the globe.
In this role, you will develop and execute product strategies that align with the Company's vision while serving as a key leader across Research & Development, Breeding, Production, Sales, and Marketing. You will oversee the entire product lifecycle-from breeding goals and product trials through commercialization and product retirement-ensuring new introductions meet customer needs and achieve market success. This position also serves as a mentor and leader within the product team, fostering collaboration and driving continuous innovation.
Responsibilities and Duties
  • Develop and execute comprehensive product strategies that align with the Company's goals, vision, and values.
  • Lead cross-functional teams through the development, commercialization, and lifecycle management of assigned product lines.
  • Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to members of the product team and collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders.
  • Partner with breeders and research teams to establish breeding goals that support customer needs and successful product introductions.
  • Track new product development and implement commercialization strategies that result in successful market introductions.
  • Manage all aspects of product trialing, ensuring accurate data collection, evaluations, photography, reporting, and performance assessments.
  • Analyze trial data and market feedback to make informed recommendations regarding product introductions, assortment changes, and product retirements.
  • Plan and execute successful product launches, including product positioning, pricing recommendations, marketing support, and launch strategies.
  • Monitor product performance throughout the product lifecycle and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Conduct market research to identify customer trends, competitive positioning, and emerging opportunities within the horticulture industry.
  • Develop and maintain long-term product roadmaps that support future product releases and enhancements.
  • Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Production, and Research teams to ensure alignment throughout the product lifecycle.
  • Stay informed of competitor products and industry developments to maintain Ball's competitive position.
  • Perform all other duties needed to help drive our vision, fulfill our mission, and support organizational goals.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Botany, Agriculture, or a related field required.
  • Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in product management, product development, breeding, or trial management within the horticulture or agriculture industry.
  • Demonstrated experience managing product portfolios through the full product lifecycle.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams while influencing without direct authority.
  • Strong leadership skills with experience coaching, mentoring, and developing team members.
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Strong analytical skills with experience using market data and customer insights to drive product decisions.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
  • Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Passion for horticulture and developing innovative products that meet customer needs.

Salary Range: $95 - $115K
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift up to 20 pounds multiple times throughout the workday.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods while working in greenhouses, research facilities, and field trial locations.
  • Ability to work in varying greenhouse and outdoor environmental conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, rain, and muddy terrain.
  • Ability to kneel, bend, and occasionally push or pull greenhouse benches and equipment.
  • Ability to travel approximately 35-40%, both domestically and internationally, based on seasonal business needs.
  • Minimal climbing and balancing may be required.

Our Promise To You
We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable.
In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes:
  • Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
  • 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
  • Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
  • Tuition assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs