Product Development Manager

About Us:

At Liberty Tire Recycling, we're building a sustainable future - one tire at a time. As North America's leading tire recycler, we offer a unique opportunity to make a real impact on the environment. Join our team of nearly 4,000 dedicated employees across 70 sites and help us transform billions of pounds of waste tires into valuable resources. We're committed to innovation, a circular economy, and providing a rewarding workplace where you can grow and thrive.

Job Summary:
The Product Development Manager leads the creation and development of market-leading products from concept to launch. This role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams, including operations, marketing, legal, and finance, across multiple divisions of the company. The ideal candidate will be passionate about innovation, possess strong analytical skills, and have a track record of successful product management.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough market research to identify customer and industry needs, market trends, and the competitive landscape, providing actionable insights for product development.
• Define detailed product specifications, features, and performance requirements to ensure alignment with market demands and company goals.
• Oversee product timelines, budgets, and quality standards, ensuring projects stay on track and within budget.
• Perform cost analyses to assess the viability and profitability of potential new products, identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Manage the entire product lifecycle from ideation to discontinuation, continuously evaluating product performance and market fit.
• Work closely with sales and marketing teams to generate creative ideas for new products or enhancements aimed at improving volume and margin for retail partners.
• Conduct product analysis and user testing to gather feedback, assessing usability and overall customer experience.
• Identify new markets, including non-retail opportunities, where operational capabilities enable competitive manufacturing.
• Manage necessary product documentation, ensuring compliance with patent and trademark regulations, and coordinate the filing of new patents as applicable.
• Assist in the development of sales training materials and go-to-market strategies for new product launches, including pricing, positioning, and promotional activities.
• Collaborate with the operations team to coordinate test mold purchases and product prototype manufacturing.
• Determine applicable industry quality standards, regulations, and safety requirements, coordinating necessary testing with external partners.
• Assist purchasing teams in sourcing components and materials that meet quality standards and cost targets.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; PMP certification preferred.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and cost optimization techniques; Six Sigma certification is a plus.
• Familiarity with market research techniques and methodologies.
• Excellent collaborative skills with the ability to work effectively across functions, including marketing, supply chain, finance, and manufacturing.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• A creative mindset with a passion for innovation.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Desire to contribute positively to a strong team culture.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel as needed.

Education and Experience:

• 5-7 years of experience in product development; experience in waste and recycling is a plus
• MUST have prior patent experience

EEO Statement:

Liberty Tire Recycling is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, relationship or association with a protected veteran (spouses or other family members), genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift

Ability to Commute:

• St. Louis, MO 63146 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• St. Louis, MO 63146: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $110,000 - $120,000