Research&Development Manager (Hardware), Niagara Falls

CWD designs, markets&sells the highest performing consumer electronics that are smart, simple, and stylish. From high fidelity turntables to wireless video connectivity systems, we create innovative products that empower people. Our success is measured in our customer satisfaction ratings and dedicated following. We have been in business since 1961 and our creations can be found in millions of homes. Together in teams, as a company, as a community, we are committed to Creating What’s Different!

Research&Development Manager Reporting to the CEO, the successful candidate will set the strategic direction for Research&Development, oversee the New Product Development Manager and the Quality Team, and ensure that new products align with business objectives and market opportunities. The role requires a visionary leader who can drive category strategy, optimize product development processes, and enhance quality assurance to maintain a competitive edge.

This is a full‑time permanent role working 40 hours a week on‑site. Our hours of operation are 8:15am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee and provide strategic leadership to the New Product Development Manager and the Quality Team

Empower the team by aligning departmental goals with corporate objectives and sharing the broader business strategy

Develop annual department objectives that integrate category strategy, product innovation, and quality improvements

Establish clear priorities, ensure alignment across teams, and maintain focus on strategic goals

Drive collaboration across departments as the key stakeholder for product and category strategy

Mentor team leaders by identifying skill gaps, providing development plans, and conducting performance reviews

Optimize efficiency through process automation and continuous improvement initiatives

New Product Development

Guide the NPD Manager in aligning product development initiatives with category strategy and corporate goals

Work closely with the NPD Manager to establish and maintain the annual product pipeline

Oversee high‑level decision‑making for NPD projects, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to achieve business objectives

Ensure that all products meet the highest performance and user experience standards while maintaining profitability

Ensure all products sold internationally comply with regional safety regulations and certification requirements, including proper application of safety certifications and royalties during development

Evaluate and select the best suited technologies for each new product development project

Achieve profit margin targets for each product in development by negotiating costs and managing other costs (logistics, amortization, etc.)

Vendor Management

Develop and maintain high‑level partnerships with key suppliers, engineering firms, and manufacturing partners

Lead negotiations on pricing, terms, and agreements with vendors

Oversee vendor performance and ensure alignment with long‑term business strategy

Quality Assurance

Set quality assurance objectives and oversee defect rates, return rates, and overall product performance

Collaborate with the Quality Team to drive improvements in product reliability and compliance

Take a hands‑on approach in addressing complex quality issues and product testing when necessary

Oversee the development of quality control documentation and ensure effective production audits

Other Responsibilities

Review financial and market performance data (e.g., margin analysis, sales trends, product performance) to inform strategic decisions

Educate and support the Marketing team on product features, functionality, and differentiators to enable effective marketing strategies

Oversee the submission and maintenance of product patents and brand trademarks

Develop and monitor annual department budget

Organize and plan business trips throughout the year to meet with overseas vendors and attend trade shows

Undertake additional duties as assigned to achieve the objectives and company goals

Qualifications

University degree in Business, Marketing, Electronics Engineering, or a related field

7‑10 years of experience in product management, R&D leadership, and vendor relations

7 years of experience in market research and competitive analysis

5+ years of experience leading product development teams and managing team leaders

5+ years of vendor management experience, including contract negotiations

5 years demonstrated experience in consumer electronics hardware

Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills

Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership abilities

Ability to manage multiple projects and drive strategic initiatives

Willingness to travel to business partners in United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Europe and other locations as required (2‑4 times per year) as well as industry trade shows (2‑4 times per year)

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management software (e.g., ClickUp)

You Will Stand Out If

You have experience managing multiple product categories

You have your PMP designation or Six Sigma designation

What We Offer Our expected compensation range for this role is $120,000.00– $130,000.00 annually. The salary you may receive will be determined based on the skills, experience, and qualifications you bring to the position, as well as how they align with the responsibilities and scope of the Research&Development Manager role. CWD evaluates compensation using a consistent and equitable framework to ensure fair and transparent pay practices across the organization.

Other benefits include:

Full comprehensive benefits (dental, medical and eye) 80/20 split-family coverage

Annual performance‑based bonus

Annual professional development fund

RRSP Match

Fitness incentives

Team events

50% off on CWD brands

Relocation expense

CWD is an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process, and upon request, will work with qualified job applicants to provide suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs due to disability. Applicants must make their accommodation needs known upon requests for interviews.

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