Research & Development Manager (Hardware)

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 a Research & Development Manager to join our exceptionally talented and collaborative team! This posting reflects an existing vacancy within our Niagara Falls location. Reporting to the CEO, the successful candidate will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for Research & Development, overseeing both the New Product Development (NPD) Manager and the Quality Team, and ensuring that new products align with business objectives and market opportunities. This role requires a visionary leader who can drive category strategy, optimize product development processes, and enhance quality assurance to maintain a competitive edge.

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

• Oversee and provide strategic leadership to the New Product Development Manager and the Quality Team.
• Empower the team by aligning departmental goals with corporate objectives and sharing the broader business strategy.
• Develop annual department objectives that integrate category strategy, product innovation, and quality improvements.
• Establish clear priorities, ensure alignment across teams, and maintain focus on strategic goals.
• Drive collaboration across departments as the key stakeholder for product and category strategy.
• Mentor team leaders by identifying skill gaps, providing development plans, and conducting performance reviews.
• Optimize efficiency through process automation and continuous improvement initiatives.

New Product Development

• Guide the NPD Manager in aligning product development initiatives with category strategy and corporate goals.
• Work closely with the NPD Manager to establish and maintain the annual product pipeline.
• Oversee high-level decision-making for NPD projects, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to achieve business objectives.
• Ensure that all products meet the highest performance and user experience standards while maintaining profitability.
• Ensure all products sold internationally comply with regional safety regulations and certification requirements, including proper application of safety certifications and royalties during development.
• Evaluate and select the best suited technologies for each new product development project.
• Achieve profit margin targets for each product in development by negotiating costs and managing other costs (logistics, amortization, etc.).

Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain high-level partnerships with key suppliers, engineering firms, and manufacturing partners.
• Lead negotiations on pricing, terms, and agreements with vendors.
• Oversee vendor performance and ensure alignment with long-term business strategy.

Quality Assurance

• Set quality assurance objectives and oversee defect rates, return rates, and overall product performance.
• Collaborate with the Quality Team to drive improvements in product reliability and compliance.
• Take a hands-on approach in addressing complex quality issues and product testing when necessary.
• Oversee the development of quality control documentation and ensure effective production audits.

Other

• Review financial and market performance data (e.g., margin analysis, sales trends, product performance) to inform strategic decisions.
• Educate and support the Marketing team on product features, functionality, and differentiators to enable effective marketing strategies.
• Oversee the submission and maintenance of product patents and brand trademarks.
• Develop and monitor annual department budget.
• Organize and plan business trips throughout the year to meet with overseas vendors and attend trade shows.
• Undertake additional duties as assigned to achieve the objectives and company goals.

Qualifications:

• University degree in Business, Marketing, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.
• 7-10 years of experience in product management, R&D leadership, and vendor relations.
• 7 years of experience in market research and competitive analysis.
• 5+ years of experience leading product development teams and managing team leaders.
• 5+ years of vendor management experience, including contract negotiations.
• 5 years demonstrated experience in consumer electronics hardware.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and drive strategic initiatives.
• 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).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management software (e.g., ClickUp).

You Will Stand Out If:

• You have experience managing multiple product categories
• You have your PMP designation or Six Sigma designation

What We Offer
Our expected compensation range for this role is $125,000.00 - $135,000.00 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 Research & Development 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.