Product Design Manager

The Product Design Manager will lead Bestway USA Inc's New Product Development design team, including Industrial Designers and Product Designers, to safeguard design quality, continuity, project efficiency, and production cost targets while meeting deadlines. This role collaborates closely with cross-functional teams and the VP of Product Development from a hybrid work location in Chandler, AZ.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain a creative environment that emphasizes collaboration and strong design thinking practices and processes
• Oversee updates and maintenance of the R&D Design Manual
• Apply user research and usability testing to ensure designs align with customer needs
• Foster closer collaboration with engineering, marketing, and sales to support a holistic product development approach
• Allocate dedicated time for education courses to enhance design knowledge or related skills such as Fusion 360, Adobe, Keyshot, leadership, and project management tools
• Support designer project review meetings and provide brainstorming sessions to sustain ideation flow
• Assist the VP Product Development with department tasks and projects
• Promote cross-pollination of ideas to increase design continuity and innovation
• Provide one-on-one support to the design team to improve work/life balance and overall morale
• Enhance the design review process with education on production cost, manufacturing constraints, and final sample outcomes
• Collaborate with the VP Product Development to develop, refine, and implement processes coordinating NPD projects across global design resources
• Track metrics to evaluate design impact, team productivity, and project success
• Manage deadlines efficiently while coordinating with the VP Product Development for additional design support or reprioritization
• Support Product Managers and the sales team by establishing yearly trend reports and specialized design tools to improve profitability
• Update and distribute yearly material swatch booklets, coordinating with EU and SH teams
• Provide and support human resources functions including annual employee reviews, time-off approvals, and department resource planning in collaboration with the VP Product Development

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related design field
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in the consumer products industry
• Minimum of 8 years of experience leading a design team
• Minimum of 8 years of experience working directly with overseas manufacturing operations
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 Suite
• Experience with CAD and rendering software preferred
• Experience in the toy or recreational industry preferred

Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Fusion 360
• Keyshot
• Microsoft Office 365 Suite

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Hybrid work-from-home schedule
• Dog-friendly office
• Health plan premium contributions by the company

Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Self-motivated to identify opportunities for improvement
• Strong project management skills with the ability to plan tasks, track progress, and resolve conflicts
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Willingness to travel internationally, primarily to China
• Curiosity, adaptability, positivity, and a professional sense of humor
• Experience in the consumer goods sector
• Technical capability to deliver complex, unique solutions
• Effective leadership with accountability and credibility

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time role with a weekly hybrid schedule that combines in-office presence and remote work, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required as job duties demand.

Travel

Some travel is required, including international trips.