Director, Product Development at Fellowes Brands – Itasca, Illinois

Description

Our most important asset is our people. Who we are, what we do, how we do it and why we are passionate are all centerpieces of why we succeed.

We are proud to be recognized:
• Among America's Best Midsize Employers by Forbes in 2021, 2022 and 2024
• As a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace for four consecutive years (2021-2025)

We currently operate in-office Monday-Thursday, with an optional remote day on Friday.

This role is not eligible for employment-based visa sponsorship.

Role Summary
As the Director of Product Development, you will lead the end-to-end strategy, development, and launch of innovative, high-quality products for the Interiors business units at Fellowes. This role provides strategic and operational leadership to the PMO, Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Product Compliance teams to ensure products are designed, tested, and delivered to exceed customer expectations and meet all regulatory requirements. The Director will partner closely with cross-functional teams—including Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, and Sales—to drive a robust product pipeline that supports business growth and long-term competitiveness.

In This Role You Will Focus On…

Leadership & Strategy
• Set the strategic direction for product development, engineering, quality, and compliance in alignment with company goals.
• Lead and develop a high-performing, multidisciplinary team; mentor managers and individual contributors across Engineering, QA, and Compliance.
• Build a collaborative, innovation-focused culture that supports continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Product Development & Engineering
• Direct all stages of product development from concept through commercialization, ensuring projects meet performance, cost, and timeline targets.
• Oversee engineering design, feasibility assessments, prototyping, and implementation of new technologies and materials.
• Ensure robust technical documentation, specifications, and design controls.

Quality Assurance
• Drive product quality strategies to ensure products meet or exceed customer expectations throughout their lifecycle.
• Oversee testing protocols, validation processes, and root cause analysis for product issues.
• Lead continuous quality improvement initiatives and corrective actions across engineering and production teams.

Product Compliance & Regulatory
• Ensure all products comply with applicable global, federal, and state regulations, standards, and certifications.
• Manage risk assessments, audits, and documentation to support safe and compliant product introductions.
• Stay current on emerging regulatory changes and advise leadership on impact and readiness planning.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with Supply Chain and Manufacturing to ensure product readiness, scalability, and quality during production ramp-up.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Product Management to translate market needs into product requirements and roadmaps.
• Support customer interactions, field quality escalations, and critical business initiatives as the product development subject matter expert.

Operational Excellence
• Oversee budgeting, resource planning, and project prioritization for the Engineering, QA, and Compliance functions.
• Implement and monitor KPIs to ensure performance, quality, and regulatory standards are consistently met.
• Evaluate and introduce best-practice tools, processes, and systems to increase efficiency and product performance.

What You Bring To the Team
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field required; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in product development, engineering, or related field, including 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Proven track record overseeing engineering, quality, and compliance functions within a product-driven organization.
• Strong understanding of product development processes, design controls, testing standards, and regulatory frameworks.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and cross-functional influencing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, balance competing priorities, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

The hiring range for this position in Itasca is $190,000 - $200,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills and experience, among other factors. An annual incentive may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. An overview of our benefits offering is available here: Fellowes Benefits Overview.

Fellowes Brands - A Family Business Since 1917
For over a century, Fellowes has been committed to positively impacting people through our culture, relationships and solutions. We have evolved toward relevance with each decade and generation, responding to a constantly changing world. Today, we are on an ambitious journey to grow our influence and impact in enhancing and maximizing work experiences worldwide. We are a “Brand on the Move” and remain committed to finding new ways to help people work better and feel better.

Visit our Careers Site: www.fellowesbrands.com/us/en/careers/Pages/overview.aspx
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Fellowes, Inc. does not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies that have not signed a mutual service agreement. All unsolicited resumes will be considered Fellowes' property, and Fellowes will not be obligated to pay a referral fee. This includes resumes submitted directly to hiring managers without contacting the Talent Acquisition Department.
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