Director of Product Management - Sterling Engineering

Title: Director of Product Management

Location: Near Naperville, 100% on-site

Salary: $160k-$170k w. 20% bonus

Direct Hire

About the opportunity:

The Director of Product Management is a strategic leadership role based near Naperville, IL, focusing on overseeing New Product Development (NPD) projects to drive efficiency, innovation, and alignment with organizational goals. This role offers the opportunity to work on advanced, impactful projects influencing global footprint, R&D initiatives, and departmental transformation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish and implement project management methodologies, standards, and tools.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative products within scope, budget, and timeline.
• Manage project risks, schedules, and resources to ensure successful outcomes.
• Oversee Stage Gate processes and validate project results.
• Foster collaboration among teams and senior stakeholders.
• Develop team members, conduct performance reviews, and handle hiring decisions.
• Communicate project performance to stakeholders and executives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical preferred); PMP certification required.
• 8+ years of technical product development and project management experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of lean product development, APQP, DFM/DFA, Six Sigma, and stage gate processes.
• Experience with power systems, medium/high voltage circuit breakers, or custom-engineered products preferred.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, and industry tools.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (5%-10% travel)