Budget Management, Communication Skills, Consumer Goods and Services, Consumer Marketing, Cross-Functional, Customer/Client Research, Health Plan, Healthcare, Leadership, Life Insurance, Market Trend Analysis, Marketing, Material Science, Performance Management, Product Demonstration, Product Design, Product Development, Product Planning, Product Positioning, Product Programs, Product Support, Product/Service Launch, Project Tracking, Quality Assurance Methodology, Research & Development (R&D), Resource Management, Sales Operations, Sales Pipeline, Strategic Planning, Supply Chain, Talent Management, Team Lead/Manager, Technical Marketing, Technical Research, Test Plan/Schedule
Senior Manager, New Product Development (R&D)
Location: Dunbridge, OH
Position Summary
At Principle Business Enterprises (PBE), we believe that breakthrough products come from teams who ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and build with intention. We are seeking a Senior Manager, New Product Development (R&D) who thrives at the intersection of science, strategy, and commercial execution - a builder who can take a product from insight to shelf while bringing R&D, Marketing, Sales, and Operations along for the ride.
This role owns the end-to-end new product development pipeline, from consumer-driven research and technical claims development through launch. You will expand PBE's portfolio, create differentiated product experiences, and develop the repeatable capabilities that allow R&D to move beyond maintenance work and into sustained growth delivery.
What You'll Do
New Product & Portfolio Development
- Lead development and launch of strategically positioned new products that expand and enhance PBE's portfolio
- Identify opportunities for product enhancement through claims development, demos, and consumer-relevant performance improvements
- Ensure products are designed for scalability, manufacturability, and margin optimization
Consumer & Market-Driven Innovation
- Partner with Marketing to integrate consumer insights into product design and value propositions
- Translate consumer needs, competitive dynamics, and market trends into actionable product requirements
- Support development of differentiated technical and marketing claims that drive purchase intent
Technical & Operational Execution
- Own and execute the New Product Development roadmap, aligned with corporate growth objectives
- Oversee NPD projects through stage-gate or equivalent development processes
- Lead development of new test methods, demos, and validation tools to support claims and product differentiation
- Collaborate with Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure smooth commercialization
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Serve as a core R&D partner to Marketing, Sales, and Operations for new product initiatives
- Communicate complex technical concepts in clear, business-relevant terms
- Influence senior stakeholders through data-driven recommendations and strong execution credibility
- Contribute to talent development and capability building within R&D
- Support budget planning and resource allocation for NPD initiatives
What You Bring
- Must be open to working in-person at our Dunbridge, Ohio location
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Product Development, Materials Science, or related field; advanced degree preferred
- 7+ years of progressive experience in R&D, product development, or innovation
- Demonstrated success launching new products from concept through commercialization
- Strong consumer and market orientation with proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in ambiguous environments
- Builder mindset with comfort creating new capabilities from scratch
- Strong execution discipline paired with strategic thinking and high learning agility
- Clear communication and stakeholder influence skills across technical and non-technical audiences
Join a Team That Changes Lives
Principle Business Enterprises, Inc. (PBE) is a family-run, value-driven organization with a deep commitment to improving lives. With over 60 years of service to the healthcare field and more than 30 years as a pioneer in incontinence and moisture management solutions, we're proud of the impact our products and people make every day.
We offer excellent health benefits including free access to onsite and local health clinics, paid personal and vacation time, an annual profit-sharing bonus, a 401k plan with company match, company-paid disability and life insurance, and more. We foster a supportive environment where safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement come first.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to non-discrimination in all employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
As a federal contractor, PBE complies with the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and hiring process.