Giro Sport Design:
Product Development Director Job in Scotts Valley, CA

Join our talented team. Employees at Vista Outdoor are passionate and committed to delivering quality products to our customers. Our culture centers on an engaged and accountable workforce. Our goal is to attract and retain a diverse workforce: rich in talent, background, ideas and experience.

Position Overview

The Director of Product Development establishes the direction for the R&D function of Giro Helmet and Goggles and oversees the department’s infrastructure, processes and procedures. This position leads the research, technology development and product design and development activities of the company and provides strategic and tactical management of all R&D initiatives. The Director applies a broad and diversified knowledge of R&D principles and concepts to ensure product quality, sustain profitability and facilitate continuous improvement.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead the execution of all R&D activities
• Plan, develop and implement R&D initiatives, metrics and goals
• Formulate R&D projects with a focus on quality, safety, effectiveness and cost containment
• Develop new research and testing processes for existing scope of products
• Direct the discovery process for the evaluation and incorporation of new technology
• Ensure appropriate implementation and standardization of quality system processes throughout the company
• Establish and manage the R&D budget
• Ensure that R&D achieves annual operating plan goals and budget targets
• Plan, prioritize and budget all R&D related activities in support of the annual business plan
• Ensure resource capacity through appropriate staffing level practices
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve business processes related to product development
• Work with Marketing and Sales to develop new product plans and strategies
• Work with Manufacturing and QA to ensure new products are of highest quality and readily manufacturability
• Ensure safe/healthy environments by monitoring adherence to company rules, policies and legal compliance
• Assist in the valuation and protection of intellectual properties
• Direct and control internal and external quality audit events

Education and Training:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science, Engineering or equivalent work experience
• Master’s Degree in related field preferred
• 10+ years related experience in R&D with minimum five (5) years in a R&D management role
• Demonstrated history of achievement in multiple environments including QC and Product Development
• Thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of R&D technologies and strategies
• Working knowledge of applicable federal and state consumer product regulations
• Strong proficiency in MS Office applications, primarily Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent oral, written and presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to develop rapport/credibility with diverse groups
• Excellent time management, multi-tasking and organizational skills
• Ability to rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals
• Ability to manage complex projects and work independently within deadlines
• Strong teamwork skills with the ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships both internally and externally
• Excellent analytical and data analysis skills
• Ability to think strategically and creatively
• Strong intuitive, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Careful attention to detail and accuracy required
• Self-motivated, self-directed and results-oriented
• Ability to maintain a high level of energy and focus

We offer a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including: medical and dental, vision, disability and life insurance, 401K, PTO, tuition reimbursement, and the ability to add value to an exciting mission!