NPD Manager - Hardware (Program Manager)

CWD designs, markets & sells the highest performing consumer electronics that are smart, simple, and stylish. From high fidelity turntables to wireless video connectivity systems, we create innovative products that empower people. Our success is measured in our customer satisfaction ratings and dedicated following. We have been in business since 1961 and our creations can be found in millions of homes. Together in teams, as a company, as a community, we are committed to Creating What’s Different!

CWD is looking for an NPD Manager - Hardware (Program Manager) to join our exceptionally talented and collaborative team! This posting reflects an existing vacancy within our Niagara Falls location. Reporting to the Research & Development Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for leading the New Product Development (NPD) team, overseeing the product development process from ideation to launch, managing vendor relationships, and driving process improvements to support corporate and departmental goals. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership, project management, and negotiation skills to ensure the successful development and launch of high-quality consumer electronics under our brands, including Fluance, Electrohome, Nyrius, and Magnasonic.

If you are someone that likes a challenge and are continuously striving for excellence, then this is the perfect opportunity for you!

This is a full-time permanent role working 40 hours a week on-site. Our hours of operation are 8:15am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Key Responsibilities:
Leadership

• Directly lead and manage the NPD team, including Product Managers and Assistant Product Managers, providing clear guidance, support, and performance accountability.
• Hire, onboard, and train new team members, ensuring alignment with team structure, skill needs, and long-term departmental goals.
• Set individual and team objectives, aligning departmental KPIs with broader business priorities to drive measurable results.
• Provide day-to-day leadership through regular check-ins, mentoring, and coaching, fostering a culture of ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Delegate responsibilities clearly and ensure adherence to timelines, project standards, and organizational expectations.
• Identify skill gaps and implement targeted development plans to elevate team capabilities and readiness for future projects.
• Conduct one-on-one feedback sessions, formal performance reviews, and corrective action conversations when necessary.
• Optimize team operations through process improvements, system enhancements, and automation to increase efficiency and reduce manual overhead.
• Act as the key R&D stakeholder in the product launch process, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery.

Project Management for NPD Initiatives

• Oversee the daily and weekly operational management of NPD projects, ensuring timelines, milestones, and deliverables are on track across multiple projects.
• Monitor the progress of Product Managers and cross-functional teams, flagging delays, tracking action items, and escalating issues to maintain momentum.
• Maintain and update project trackers, schedules, and dashboards to provide clear visibility into project status for stakeholders and leadership.
• Review and consolidate project documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and timely submission at each stage of the product development process.
• Track resource allocation, key dependencies, and critical deadlines to help identify risks early and support resolution planning.
• Communicate with internal stakeholders on incoming requests and inquiries related to NPD projects; attend meetings with other stakeholders to communicate critical project updates
• Promote consistent use of project management tools and processes across NPD teams to improve reporting, accountability, and efficiency.
• Adapt to unexpected project challenges, ensuring quick decision-making to keep milestones on track.

Vendor Management

• Identify, onboard, and manage external vendors including OEMs, ODMs, component suppliers, and engineering consultants to support project progress.
• Foster strong, mutually beneficial relationships with key vendors.
• Monitor vendor performance to ensure timely delivery, quality compliance, and alignment with project milestones.

Other

• Attend international business trips to meet with overseas vendors and attend trade shows.
• Support process improvements by enhancing project tracking, system automation, and dashboard updates.
• Perform additional duties as required to support company goals.

Qualifications:

• University degree in Business, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 7-10 years in product development within consumer products (mandatory) and electronics (desired).
• 5-7 years of experience managing teams, conducting performance reviews, and mentoring product development professionals.
• 5-7 years managing multiple NPD projects with a structured project management process (Stage-Gate or equivalent).
• Experience working with OEM/ODM manufacturers and factories is highly desirable.
• Strong negotiation skills, hands-on leadership experience, and a process-oriented mindset.
• Exceptional communication and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently.
• E-commerce experience is desired.
• Willing to travel to business partners in United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Europe and other locations as required (2-4 times per year) as well as industry trades shows (2-4 times per year).
• Experience with ERP systems.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office.
• Proficiency using project management software (e.g. ClickUp).

What We Offer
Our expected compensation range for this role is $100,000.00 - $110,000.00 annually. The salary you may receive will be determined based on the skills, experience, and qualifications you bring to the position, as well as how they align with the responsibilities and scope of the NPD Manager role. CWD evaluates compensation using a consistent and equitable framework to ensure fair and transparent pay practices across the organization.

Other benefits include:

• Full comprehensive benefits (dental, medical and eye) 80/20 split-family coverage
• Annual performance-based bonus
• Annual professional development fund
• RRSP Match
• Fitness incentives
• Team events
• 50% off on CWD brands
• Relocation expense

How We Hire
CWD is an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process, and upon request, will work with qualified job applicants to provide suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs due to disability. Applicants must make their accommodation needs known upon requests for interviews.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support certain parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, evaluating responses, or assisting with interview scheduling. These tools are designed to help our recruitment team and do not replace human judgment. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by our team. If you would like more information about how your personal data is processed during this process, please contact us.

CWD only extends employment offers after candidates have had the opportunity to speak directly with both the hiring manager and a member of our HR team. These discussions may take place in person or via video conference. CWD does not issue offers or request personal information through text or other informal channels. If you receive such a request, please disregard it. This policy is in place to ensure a secure and professional hiring process for all candidates.