Job Overview

TuxMat Inc., the premium provider of custom car mats, is seeking a highly experienced Director of Product Development  to lead and manage a team of six talented industrial designers. Based in Scarborough, Ontario, this role involves overseeing the entire product development process, from concept creation to production, ensuring that our products uphold the company’s reputation for innovation, quality, and market leadership.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in product development, a deep understanding of industrial design, and a proven ability to lead creative teams. Reporting to the COO, this role will play a critical part in driving TuxMat’s product innovation and growth strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Development :

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of six industrial designers, fostering creativity and collaboration to achieve product excellence.
• Provide strategic direction and ensure the team’s projects align with TuxMat’s product vision and business objectives.

Strategic Planning :

• Define and implement the product development strategy in alignment with TuxMat’s goals and customer needs.
• Collaborate with the COO and executive leadership to prioritize product initiatives and ensure market competitiveness.

Product Development :

• Oversee the design and development of new products, guiding the team from concept sketches through prototyping and production.
• Collaborate with external manufacturers and suppliers to ensure product designs are feasible, cost-effective, and production-ready.
• Continuously improve existing products based on customer feedback and market demands.

Cross-Functional Collaboration :

• Serve as the primary link between the product development team and other departments, including marketing, sales, and operations.
• Partner with the marketing team to create effective product narratives and support go-to-market strategies.
• Work with external suppliers to ensure smooth production transitions and maintain quality standards.

Project Oversight :

• Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery within budget and scope.
• Monitor team performance and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success.

Customer & Market Focus :

• Conduct market research and engage with customers to identify emerging trends, unmet needs, and opportunities for innovation.
• Use insights to guide product designs that enhance TuxMat’s competitive edge.

Creative Expertise :

• Utilize your expertise in industrial design and materials to guide the team in creating innovative, practical, and aesthetically appealing products.
• Ensure all products comply with industry standards and maintain TuxMat’s premium quality.

Qualifications:

• Education : Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field.
• Experience :
• 10+ years of experience in product development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing design or product teams.
• Proven track record of launching innovative products and managing cross-functional teams.
• Experience collaborating with manufacturers and suppliers to bring designs to production.

Skills :

• Expertise in industrial design tools such as CAD software, 3D modeling, and prototyping techniques.
• Strong knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to balance design creativity and practicality.