ACARA Jobs
Product Development Manager
Apply- ID: 551777
- Posted: 7/2/2025
- Location: Brampton, ON
- Category: Pro - Engineering
- Job Type: Direct Placement
- Duration: Direct Placement
Description
Product Development Manager
Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President, this position is responsible for leadership of the Engineering and Estimating teams (7-10 direct reports) directly related to solution selling quote process. This role will also be responsible for and collaborate with external suppliers to best position to service the customer.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties and responsibilities of the position are detailed below, but not limited to the following:
- Lead a team of Designers and Estimators who collaborate with sales and customers on product design and recommend design and value add optimizations to ensure maximum manufacturability while reducing timelines.
- Contribute to the creation and implementation of best practice, cost estimating vision, strategy, policies, and procedures to aid and improve operational performance.
- Ensure the proper quotation of fabrication and finishing - costs and tooling requirements.
- Support the Inside and Outside Sales Team
- Support continuous improvement by identifying inefficiencies and cost optimization opportunities.
- Work closely with our Fabrication and Production departments as well the Design Team
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with external fabrication and finishing subcontractors.
- Source new value-add suppliers.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- Head the New Product Introduction (NPI) Process to ensure smooth onboarding of new business and the successful launch of customer new products.
Requirements
Education/Experience
- Engineering degree in appropriate field, e.g. Bachelor of Engineer (Mechanical or equivalent) or Technologist diploma
- Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years or more experience in a similar role leading a team.
- Significant experience in costing/estimating in a manufacturing environment.
- Knowledgeable in CNC, aluminum, fabrication and finishing.
- Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to read 2D and 3D drawings, blueprints (with GD&T).
- Ability to work well with numbers is essential.
- Should have a high energy level and must be able to lead a team.
- Good time management and organizational skills.
- A solid understanding of the following equipment/technology; Computers, various PC software, ERP software programs (EPICS, Navision), AUTOCAD, Solid Edge, Solid Works, Microsoft Office Suite.
- Experience with aluminum extrusion would be considered an asset.
Job Requirements
Technical Skills/Competence
- Should have high energy level, a positive attitude and be able to work without direct supervision
- Should be a strong self-motivator and work well with others
- Empathy and confidence will allow the candidate to succeed in this position
- Good time management and organizational skills are necessary
- Proficient in Salesforce and Excel
- Proven experience with conflict resolution
- Strong ability to lead and coach teams
- Strong leadership skills that foster an engaging team environment
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work cooperatively
Benefits
We offer a full and competitive benefits package including:
- Profit sharing
- Health care spending account
- Education assistance program
- Health and dental
- Life AD&D
- Long-term disability
- Critical illness insurance
- Gym memberships
- Wellness programs
- Monthly social committee activities
Acara Solutions is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for job applicants and employees. We are committed to filling open positions using balanced selection criteria to avoid unlawful discrimination against applicants on the basis of their age, colour, disability, marital status, national origin, gender, gender identity, genetic information, race or racial origin, religion, sexual orientation, or any other status protected or required by law.
Acara Solutions welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.