The Media Development Manager drives the innovation and advancement of evaporative cooling and cooling media pad technology. This role combines strong project management, technical acumen, and hands-on leadership to deliver high-performance solutions that align with Condair’s mission and sustainability goals.

The Media Development Manager coordinates international, cross-functional teams—including Sales, Product Management, Engineering, Operations, Quality, and external partners—to manage media development projects and meet deadlines, resource needs, and quality standards. This role involves hands-on work in labs and wind tunnels to test and refine product performance, plus collaboration with suppliers and researchers to drive innovation in evaporative media and AHU wet sections.

In addition to executing project deliverables, the Media Development Manager plays a key role in improving project delivery processes, documenting best practices, and supporting customer satisfaction throughout product development and post-launch phases. This position is ideal for an adaptable, self-driven professional who thrives in building and shaping a growing technical function—not merely maintaining an established department.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty to a competent level. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Lead the end-to-end development of evaporative cooling media products, from concept through design, prototyping, testing, and market launch.

• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure project objectives, schedules, budgets, and performance targets are achieved.
• Conduct hands-on testing and validation within the lab and wind tunnel to support product performance, quality, and innovation.
• Collaborate with suppliers, research partners, and internal stakeholders to identify and develop new materials, processes, and technologies.
• Translate customer and market needs into actionable project requirements and technical specifications.
• Monitor project risks, dependencies, and progress, providing regular updates and reports to leadership and stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by documenting lessons learned and implementing best practices in project delivery.
• Manage customer change requests and assist Sales and Product Management teams in addressing post-launch feedback.
• Champion sustainability and energy efficiency within all product development activities.
• Contribute to the growth and structure of a new, evolving department by fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
• Conduct patent/literature searches to determine freedom to operate with new technologies.
• In the initial months in the role, frequent travel to Nacogdoches, TX (where the lab is currently located) will be required. Once the lab is moved to Richmond, VA in 2026, travel may only be required 5-10% of the time, both domestically and internationally.
• Adhere to Condair’s Quality Assurance System and Health and Safety policies.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Professional Skills, Qualifications, and Competencies

Education and Experience

1. Engineering degree (Physics and/or chemistry background, or material science background) required.
2. Minimum five (5) years of management experience required.

Language Skills

1. Excellent verbal, writing and comprehension skills in English. Demonstrates a wide degree of creativity and expressiveness with the English language. Demonstrated ability to communicate technically, in writing and verbally. Above-average written communication and editing skills.
2. German, French, and/or other languages are considered an asset.

Ability to Reason

1. Strong planning and organizational skills are required. Ability to prioritize work, set targets, and make decisions. Ability to work accurately and methodically under pressure. Familiarity with milestone-based project methodologies is an asset.

Computer Skills

1. Knowledge of enterprise resource planning systems (SAP) is an asset. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office tools.

Math Skills

1. Knowledge of a statistics tool is an asset.

Other

1. Proven ability to travel abroad (Canada, Europe) as required.
2. Proven problem-solving skills and track record of successful technical accomplishments
3. Strong understanding of testing in the paper and evaporative media industry
4. Knowledge of the chemistry of formaldehyde-based phenolic and amino resins is an asset
5. Employs statistical analysis of data and DOE methodology for experimental design

Personal Characteristics

Teamwork

Balances team and individual responsibilities.

Exhibits objectivity and openness to other’s views.

Gives and welcomes feedback.

Offers to help others to achieve common goals.

Drive

Exhibits a drive to do all the work required to achieve success.

Aims to do the right thing without being told.

Ethics

Works with integrity and strong morals/ethics

Professionalism

Approaches others in a tactful manner.

Reacts well under pressure and follows through on commitments.

Treats others with respect and consideration, regardless of their position.

Accepts responsibility for own actions and asks for help when needed.

Safety

Observes safety and security procedures.

Uses equipment and materials properly and as instructed.

Dependability

Is consistently at work and on time, and completes work in a timely manner.

Able to deal with change, delays, and unexpected events.