Product Development Manager

Job Description – Product Development ManagerCovers & BlanketsRole OverviewThe Product Development Manager is responsible for executing new product development and new product introduction activities across multiple business segments. This role focuses on hands‑on technical execution, facilitation of the New Product Introduction (NPI) stage‑gate process, supplier and subcontractor support, and cross‑functional coordination to ensure products transition effectively from concept release through production readiness while meeting performance, quality, cost, and schedule requirements.Key Responsibilities New Product Introduction & Stage‑Gate FacilitationOwn the facilitation of the New Product Introduction (NPI) stage‑gate process for assigned programs across business segments, including planning, scheduling, preparation, execution, and follow‑upCoordinate required inputs, deliverables, and readiness criteria to support effective and timely stage‑gate reviewsPrepare stage‑gate materials, status summaries, and risk assessments for cross‑functional reviewTrack decisions, action items, and commitments resulting from stage‑gate reviews and drive closurePromote consistent application of NPI and stage‑gate processes, documentation, and communication practices across product linesProduct Development ExecutionExecute assigned product development programs from concept release through first productionCoordinate development activities across engineering, supply chain, quality, manufacturing, and operationsManage samples, development builds, pilot runs, validation testing, and production readiness activitiesIdentify and mitigate risks related to performance, manufacturability, cost, timing, or supplier capabilityTechnical Problem SolvingServe as the primary technical contact for assigned products during development and early productionTroubleshoot material, construction, performance, and manufacturability issuesLead root cause analysis efforts and drive corrective actions in collaboration with quality and manufacturingSupport product testing, verification, and validation activitiesSupplier & Subcontractor SupportSupport onboarding and technical qualification of new suppliers and subcontractorsCoordinate capability assessments, trial builds, and initial production ramp‑up activitiesCommunicate product requirements, specifications, and quality expectations to external partnersAct as a technical liaison between suppliers and internal teams during development and launchDocumentation & Change ControlDevelop and maintain accurate product documentation including specifications, bills of material, work instructions, and technical dataSupport engineering change implementation and ensure changes are properly reviewed, approved, documented, and communicatedMaintain development and change records to support production readiness, traceability, and quality system requirementsProvide day‑to‑day direction and prioritization for the PLM Coordinator to ensure timely and accurate execution of documentation, data management, and change activitiesPartner with quality, manufacturing, and supply chain to ensure PLM data integrity and alignment with released product configurationsCross‑Functional CollaborationPartner with project engineers, technical leads, and cross‑functional stakeholders to support program executionProvide regular status updates on development progress, risks, and milestone readinessParticipate in post‑launch reviews and support continuous improvement initiatives within the product development processQualificationsRequiredBachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Textile Science, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)5+ years of hands‑on product development or engineering experience in soft goods, textiles, or sewn productsExperience supporting new product introduction in a manufacturing environmentStrong technical troubleshooting and problem‑solving skillsExperience working with external suppliers or contract manufacturersPreferredExperience with aerospace, defense, or performance textile productsFamiliarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality management systemsExperience supporting supplier qualification and production ramp‑upKey AttributesExecution‑oriented and detail‑focusedStrong organizational and cross‑functional communication skillsComfortable managing multiple development efforts simultaneouslyPractical, collaborative, and solutions‑driven approach to technical challengesTravel & Work EnvironmentFrequent travel (40-50%+) to customer sites, Cocoon facilities and partner locations.Professional office environment with substantial external and internal collaboration.About Cocoon Cocoon Inc. is an innovative and fast-growing company specializing in advanced textile solutions for aerospace and defense applications aimed at protecting high-value military assets from corrosion. Cocoon partners closely with OEMs and government customers to deliver engineered solutions across the full product lifecycle, from development through sustainment.