New Product Development Manager Jobs in Illinois
New Product Development Manager jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with demand concentrated in the consumer packaged goods, manufacturing, medical devices, and food and beverage industries that anchor the state's economy. Chicago, Deerfield, and Peoria are the largest hiring metros, home to established employers like Abbott, Kraft Heinz, and Caterpillar that regularly bring on new product development managers across innovation, commercialization, and technical project leadership functions. The most in-demand specialties in Illinois are stage-gate process management, cross-functional team leadership, and regulated product development in healthcare and food manufacturing. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 6+ New Product Development Manager jobs
Wahl Empowers People To Be Their Best!
Lead Programs That Bring Ideas to Life
At Wahl, innovation doesn't happen by chance-it's driven by people who can turn complex ideas into real, market-ready products. As a Program Manager, you'll lead cross-functional product development programs from concept through launch, ensuring every detail-from engineering to execution-comes together seamlessly.
You'll operate at the center of it all-balancing technical complexity, timelines, and business priorities while guiding teams toward high-quality outcomes. If you thrive on solving problems, aligning teams, and delivering results in fast-moving environments, this is where your leadership makes an impact.
What You'll Do
As a Program Manager, you'll lead product development programs end-to-end while ensuring alignment, visibility, and execution across teams. Your day-to-day will include:
- Lead end-to-end product development programs from initial concept through production launch, managing scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives
- Facilitate cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Finance teams
- Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including work breakdown structures, resource allocations, critical path analysis, and milestone tracking
- Chair project review meetings and stage-gate reviews, preparing materials and facilitating decision-making at appropriate organizational levels
- Manage multiple concurrent projects, prioritizing resources and resolving conflicts to optimize portfolio performance
- Work closely with Engineering teams to understand technical requirements, constraints, and risks associated with new technologies and design approaches
- Translate technical concepts and trade-offs for non-technical stakeholders, ensuring informed business decisions
- Identify technical dependencies and integration points across mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing workstreams
- Support technical teams in developing validation plans, design verification testing, and production qualification activities
- Understand manufacturing processes (injection molding, assembly, electronics integration) well enough to identify schedule and cost risks early
- Proactively identify program risks related to technology readiness, supplier capability, regulatory compliance, and market timing
- Maintain CRAID logs (Change Requests, Risks, Actions, Issues, Decisions) and drive resolution through appropriate channels
- Escalate critical issues to leadership with recommended solutions and decision frameworks
- Manage engineering change processes during development and launch phases
- Facilitate root cause analysis for program delays or failures and implement corrective actions
- Serve as the primary point of contact for program status, communicating progress, risks, and decisions to executive leadership
- Prepare executive-level presentations, business cases, and decision communications
- Build strong relationships with global manufacturing partners and suppliers, coordinating activities across time zones
- Foster a collaborative team environment that encourages innovation, problem-solving, and accountability
- Mentor junior project coordinators and support development of project management capabilities across the organization
What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial) or equivalent experience
- 5-7 years of project/program management experience in consumer products, appliances, or related hardware industries
- Demonstrated track record of successfully leading product development projects from concept to production launch
Technical Knowledge
- Strong understanding of product development processes and stage-gate methodologies, include Waterfall and Agile (Scrum, KanBan, SAFe ,etc.)
- Working knowledge of mechanical design principles, injection molding, electronics integration, and manufacturing processes
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, CAD models, and engineering specifications
- Understanding of design validation, reliability testing, and production qualification requirements
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements for consumer electrical products (UL, ETL, CE, FCC)
Project Management Expertise
- Proficiency with project management tools (Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Jira, or similar)
- Experience with both Waterfall/Stage-Gate and Agile methodologies; ability to adapt approach based on project needs
- Strong understanding of critical path analysis, resource leveling, and schedule optimization techniques
- Experience managing projects with Asian manufacturing partners and contract manufacturers
- PMP, PMI-ACP, or equivalent certification preferred
Professional Competencies
- Exceptional organizational skills with ability to manage complexity and ambiguity
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with data-driven decision-making approach
- Outstanding communication skills-both written and verbal-for technical and executive audiences
- Proven ability to influence without direct authority and build consensus across diverse stakeholders
- Results-oriented mindset with strong business acumen and customer focus
- Comfortable with international travel (10-15%) and working across multiple time zones
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in professional or consumer grooming products, beauty appliances, or personal care devices
- Knowledge of battery technologies, BLDC motors, and cordless product development
- Exposure to Lean principles, Design Thinking, or Lean UX methodologies
- Experience leading innovation or advanced technology development programs
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification a plus
- Experience with US-China collaborative development models
Core Competencies
- Ensures Accountability
- Plansaligns
- Manages complexity
- Develops talent
- Courage
Why You'll Love Wahl Clipper
We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being and growth, including:
- Low-cost BCBSIL medical, dental, and vision plans
- A generous company-matched 401(k) and profit sharing
- Tuition support to fuel your learning
- Paid holidays and a vibrant, casual work environment
But that's just the beginning. At Wahl, you'll also enjoy:
- A legacy of quality and innovation.
- A team that values your expertise and ideas.
- Opportunities to grow and contribute to meaningful projects.
- A culture built on respect, precision, and progress.
Ready to Lead What's Next?
If you're a program leader who thrives on driving alignment, solving complex challenges, and delivering innovative products to market, we'd love to meet you. Apply today and help bring the next generation of Wahl products to life.
#LI-TR1
#LI-HYBRID
Wahl Empowers People To Be Their Best!
Lead Programs That Bring Ideas to Life
At Wahl, innovation doesn't happen by chance-it's driven by people who can turn complex ideas into real, market-ready products. As a Program Manager, you'll lead cross-functional product development programs from concept through launch, ensuring every detail-from engineering to execution-comes together seamlessly.
You'll operate at the center of it all-balancing technical complexity, timelines, and business priorities while guiding teams toward high-quality outcomes. If you thrive on solving problems, aligning teams, and delivering results in fast-moving environments, this is where your leadership makes an impact.
What You'll Do
As a Program Manager, you'll lead product development programs end-to-end while ensuring alignment, visibility, and execution across teams. Your day-to-day will include:
- Lead end-to-end product development programs from initial concept through production launch, managing scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives
- Facilitate cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Finance teams
- Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including work breakdown structures, resource allocations, critical path analysis, and milestone tracking
- Chair project review meetings and stage-gate reviews, preparing materials and facilitating decision-making at appropriate organizational levels
- Manage multiple concurrent projects, prioritizing resources and resolving conflicts to optimize portfolio performance
- Work closely with Engineering teams to understand technical requirements, constraints, and risks associated with new technologies and design approaches
- Translate technical concepts and trade-offs for non-technical stakeholders, ensuring informed business decisions
- Identify technical dependencies and integration points across mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing workstreams
- Support technical teams in developing validation plans, design verification testing, and production qualification activities
- Understand manufacturing processes (injection molding, assembly, electronics integration) well enough to identify schedule and cost risks early
- Proactively identify program risks related to technology readiness, supplier capability, regulatory compliance, and market timing
- Maintain CRAID logs (Change Requests, Risks, Actions, Issues, Decisions) and drive resolution through appropriate channels
- Escalate critical issues to leadership with recommended solutions and decision frameworks
- Manage engineering change processes during development and launch phases
- Facilitate root cause analysis for program delays or failures and implement corrective actions
- Serve as the primary point of contact for program status, communicating progress, risks, and decisions to executive leadership
- Prepare executive-level presentations, business cases, and decision communications
- Build strong relationships with global manufacturing partners and suppliers, coordinating activities across time zones
- Foster a collaborative team environment that encourages innovation, problem-solving, and accountability
- Mentor junior project coordinators and support development of project management capabilities across the organization
What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial) or equivalent experience
- 5-7 years of project/program management experience in consumer products, appliances, or related hardware industries
- Demonstrated track record of successfully leading product development projects from concept to production launch
Technical Knowledge
- Strong understanding of product development processes and stage-gate methodologies, include Waterfall and Agile (Scrum, KanBan, SAFe ,etc.)
- Working knowledge of mechanical design principles, injection molding, electronics integration, and manufacturing processes
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, CAD models, and engineering specifications
- Understanding of design validation, reliability testing, and production qualification requirements
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements for consumer electrical products (UL, ETL, CE, FCC)
Project Management Expertise
- Proficiency with project management tools (Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Jira, or similar)
- Experience with both Waterfall/Stage-Gate and Agile methodologies; ability to adapt approach based on project needs
- Strong understanding of critical path analysis, resource leveling, and schedule optimization techniques
- Experience managing projects with Asian manufacturing partners and contract manufacturers
- PMP, PMI-ACP, or equivalent certification preferred
Professional Competencies
- Exceptional organizational skills with ability to manage complexity and ambiguity
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with data-driven decision-making approach
- Outstanding communication skills-both written and verbal-for technical and executive audiences
- Proven ability to influence without direct authority and build consensus across diverse stakeholders
- Results-oriented mindset with strong business acumen and customer focus
- Comfortable with international travel (10-15%) and working across multiple time zones
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in professional or consumer grooming products, beauty appliances, or personal care devices
- Knowledge of battery technologies, BLDC motors, and cordless product development
- Exposure to Lean principles, Design Thinking, or Lean UX methodologies
- Experience leading innovation or advanced technology development programs
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification a plus
- Experience with US-China collaborative development models
Core Competencies
- Ensures Accountability
- Plansaligns
- Manages complexity
- Develops talent
- Courage
Why You'll Love Wahl Clipper
We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being and growth, including:
- Low-cost BCBSIL medical, dental, and vision plans
- A generous company-matched 401(k) and profit sharing
- Tuition support to fuel your learning
- Paid holidays and a vibrant, casual work environment
But that's just the beginning. At Wahl, you'll also enjoy:
- A legacy of quality and innovation.
- A team that values your expertise and ideas.
- Opportunities to grow and contribute to meaningful projects.
- A culture built on respect, precision, and progress.
Ready to Lead What's Next?
If you're a program leader who thrives on driving alignment, solving complex challenges, and delivering innovative products to market, we'd love to meet you. Apply today and help bring the next generation of Wahl products to life.
#LI-TR1
#LI-HYBRID
See All 6 New Product Development Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsNew Product Development Manager Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
New Product Development Manager Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Electronics & Hardware
- Mining & Natural Resources
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in new product development manager jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, food science, or a related technical field
- Five or more years of product development or product management experience in a relevant industry
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams through a full product lifecycle
- Proficiency with stage-gate or agile product development frameworks and project management tools
- Experience working within regulated industries such as medical devices, food manufacturing, or pharmaceuticals
- Strong background in market research, consumer insights, and translating findings into product concepts
New Product Development Manager Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a new product development manager in Illinois?
Most new product development manager roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in engineering, food science, business, or a related technical field, and several years of hands-on product development experience. Illinois does not require a state-issued license for this role, but employers in regulated sectors like medical devices expect familiarity with FDA processes, and food and beverage employers value certifications such as a Project Management Professional credential. Building experience in a specialist contributor role before moving into management is the standard Illinois path.
Which companies hire new product development managers in Illinois?
Employers hiring new product development managers in Illinois right now include Molex, Danfoss, and Komatsu, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's deep concentration of consumer goods, medical device, and industrial manufacturing headquarters means demand is spread across both large multinationals and mid-size regional producers.
Which Illinois cities have the most new product development manager jobs?
Lisle, Peoria, and Chicago have the most new product development manager openings in Illinois. Chicago and its northern suburbs, including Deerfield and Lake County, drive the highest volume thanks to the regional headquarters of major consumer goods and healthcare companies, while Peoria draws openings from Caterpillar and its extended manufacturing supply chain.
Are there remote new product development manager jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields because the role frequently requires lab access, factory floor coordination, and hands-on prototype review. About 100% of new product development manager openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with hybrid arrangements most typical at larger corporate headquarters. The strategic and commercial phases of the role, such as market analysis and business case development, are the parts most likely to be performed remotely.
How can I get hired as a new product development manager in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is landing a specialist role first, such as product development engineer, R&D associate, or project coordinator, at an Illinois manufacturer or consumer goods company and building toward management from there. Large Illinois employers including Abbott and Kraft Heinz run rotational development programs and new-graduate hiring initiatives that place candidates in product-adjacent functions. Earning a Project Management Professional certification or completing coursework in stage-gate methodology strengthens a candidacy significantly before moving into a manager-level application.
Where can I find and apply to new product development manager jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to new product development manager jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Find roles that match your experience and industry background and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 6 New Product Development Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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