Senior Project Manager, R&D and Product Development
27 days ago
Chicago
Job Description Culligan Retail North America is a leading provider of water filtration solutions with a strong omnichannel presence, supporting multiple product lines across direct-to-consumer, e-commerce, and retail platforms. We are committed to delivering innovative water solutions that enhance consumer’s lives and contribute to sustainable living. The Senior Project Manager, R&D and Product Development will manage a portfolio of projects across innovation, cost savings, packaging evolution, and product renovation. This role is responsible for leading project teams to deliver programs on time, in full, and within scope and budget, while ensuring technical rigor, regulatory compliance, and seamless collaboration across functions. You’ll directly manage a Mechanical Engineer, partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Engineering, Sourcing, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Sales teams. This role plays a central role in developing the next generation of Culligan’s consumer products. Key Responsibilities: • Project Management, • Lead end-to-end project management for new product introductions, product renovations, packaging updates, and cost optimization initiatives following Culligan’s Stage-Gate process., • Develop detailed project timelines, milestones, and deliverables; ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget, managed through regular project meetings and notes to monitor and track progress, • Coordinate with cross-functional teams — Engineering, Marketing, Sourcing, Finance, Quality, and Manufacturing — to align priorities and resources., • Facilitate kick-off meetings to establish clear scope, success criteria, and stakeholder accountability., • Anticipate risks, issues, resourcing challenges; develop mitigation and contingency plans to keep projects on track., • Drive transparent communication of project status, key risks, and decisions to leadership., • Drive consistency and excellence in Culligan’s project management tools, templates, and methodologies., • Technical Leadership, • Supervise and coach a Mechanical Engineer, managing technical deliverables and development priorities., • Partner with Engineering, Regulatory, and COE R&D teams to define product specifications, mechanical requirements, and testing protocols, • Lead technical readiness reviews, including prototyping, validation, tooling qualification, and pilot production., • Own and maintain core technical documentation including product specifications, BOMs, and master data sheets., • Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing partners on tooling design, duplication, and process modifications., • Translate field performance data, consumer feedback, and warranty trends into actionable design or process changes., • Partner with Quality, Engineering, and Operations on post-launch product quality issues to investigate root causes and drive timely resolutions Qualification & Experience: Required: * • 8+ years of experience in program or product management within consumer products, appliances, filtration, or related technical fields., • Demonstrated success leading cross-functional programs involving engineering, regulatory, and manufacturing disciplines., • Proven ability to translate technical complexity into clear, actionable plans for non-technical stakeholders., • Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and presentation skills., • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable operating in an ambiguous, fast-moving environment., • Understanding of brand, sales, operations and finance functions in consumer-packaged goods; proven ability manage stakeholder satisfaction throughout the new product development process., • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field (MBA or advanced degree preferred)., • Project management certification (PMP or similar)., • Experience managing or mentoring technical contributors (engineers, designers, or technicians)., • Working knowledge of filtration systems, mechanical assemblies, and regulated product design. Founded by Emmett Culligan in 1936, Culligan is a world leader in delivering superior water solutions that will make a real difference in improving the health and wellness of consumers. The company offers some of the most technologically advanced, state-of-the-art water filtration and treatment services and solutions. These products include water softeners, drinking water systems, whole-house systems and solutions for businesses. Culligan's network of franchise dealers in North America, direct operations and other dealers is the largest in the world, with over 7,800 employees and 1,000 dealers in 90 countries. Many Culligan dealers have valuable equity in their local communities as multigenerational family owners of their franchises. For more information visit: CULLIGAN INTERNATIONAL\r\n \r\nFounded by Emmett Culligan in 1936, Culligan is a world leader in delivering superior water solutions that will make a real difference in improving the health and wellness of consumers. The company offers some of the most technologically advanced, state-of-the-art water filtration and treatment services and solutions. These products include water softeners, drinking water systems, whole-house systems and solutions for businesses. Culligan's network of franchise dealers in North America, direct operations and other dealers is the largest in the world, with over 7,800 employees and 1,000 dealers in 90 countries. Many Culligan dealers have valuable equity in their local communities as multigenerational family owners of their franchises.\r\n\r\nFor more information visit: