Product Development Manager - Rv Industry

Ultimate and Blue Water Camper Trailers and Hybrid Caravans.

Company Overview: Eagle Outdoors is a family-owned, community-focused business with locations in QLD, NSW, VIC, and WA. We specialize in importing our products from China and assembling high-quality camper trailers and hybrid Caravans in our four production facilities across Australia. We are committed to delivering best-in-class products that exceed customer expectations in terms of design, functionality, and durability.

Position Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Product Development and Quality Control Manager to oversee the entire Product Development process and ensure the highest standards of quality control across all stages of production. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of camper trailers & caravans or automotive manufacturing, along with expertise in implementing industry best practices to drive continuous improvement and innovation. 

This position can be based in Melbourne or Gold Coast as we have multiple offices. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Product Development:
   • Lead the Product Development process from conception to launch, improving existing designs and collaborating with cross-functional teams, including design, engineering, and manufacturing.
   • Conduct market research and analysis to identify customer needs, trends, and competitor offerings.
   • Develop product specifications, features, and designs that align with market demands and company objectives.
   • Manage prototype testing and iteration to refine product performance, usability, and aesthetics.
   • Product Pricing for each unique model and variation including costing of production stages through to final preparation for sale.
2. Quality Control:
   • Establish and implement comprehensive quality control processes and procedures across all stages of production.
   • Conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with quality standards, specifications, and regulations.
   • Identify and address root causes of quality issues, implementing corrective and preventive actions as necessary.
   • Monitor and analyse product defects, customer complaints, and warranty claims to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
3. Supplier Management:
   • Manage relationships with overseas suppliers in China, ensuring timely delivery of parts and components that meet quality and specification requirements.
   • Conduct supplier audits and evaluations to assess performance and capability, driving supplier development initiatives as needed.
   • Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers to optimize cost-effectiveness and minimize supply chain risks.
4. Team Leadership:
   • Provide leadership and guidance to the Product Development, quality control and production teams, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
   • Set clear goals and expectations for team members, conduct weekly meetings providing regular feedback, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
   • Foster cross-functional collaboration and communication to streamline processes and enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Result Areas (KRAs):

1. Quality Performance:
   • Defect Rate: Maintain defect rate below X% across all product lines.
   • Customer Satisfaction: Achieve customer satisfaction rating of X% or higher based on post-purchase surveys.
   • Warranty Claims: Reduce warranty claims by X% through improved product quality and reliability.
2. Product Development:
   • Time-to-Market: Decrease Product Development cycle time by X% through streamlined processes and efficient project management.
   • New Product Success Rate: Ensure X% of new product launches meet or exceed sales targets within the first year.
3. Supplier Performance:
   • On-Time Delivery: Maintain supplier on-time delivery rate of X% or higher to ensure uninterrupted production schedules.
   • Supplier Quality Rating: Improve supplier quality rating by X% through proactive quality management and supplier development initiatives.
4. Team Performance:
   • Employee Engagement: Maintain employee engagement score of X% or higher based on internal surveys and feedback.
   • Training and Development: Achieve X% participation rate in training and development programs to enhance team capabilities and skills.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field. (Preferred)
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Product Development, quality control, and automotive or manufacturing management preferably in the camper caravan industry.
• Strong knowledge of industry best practices, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven track record of successful product launches and quality improvement initiatives.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Mandarin speaking will be highly regarded. 

Note: KPIs and KRAs will need to be negotiated and adjusted based on the candidates experience skill sets and our production targets and objectives.

If you are passionate about the RV industry and have a proven track record of Product Development and management, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Join our team and be part of a dynamic work environment that promotes innovation, teamwork, and a positive culture. 

To apply for the position, please submit your resume and cover letter via Seek by pressing the apply button below. We look forward to welcoming a proactive and results-driven professional to our team.

Only Short-listed candidates will be contacted.