Product Line Director

Responsibilities

The Product Line Director (PLD) is responsible for the strategic direction, profitability, and growth of a defined product line. PLD plays a critical role in customer engagement, innovation strategy, contract compliance, and lifecycle management of aerospace products, ensuring adherence to stringent performance standards while remaining competitive globally. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Sales & Business Development, the PLD leads cross-functional teams to deliver customer value and sustainable business growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Leadership
o    Manage the assigned product line end-to-end, ensuring achievement of Bookings, Sales, and EBITDA goals.
o    Develop and execute pricing strategies, forecasting, and budgeting to maximize profitability.
o    Drive consistent value creation through market-based pricing, profitable new business, and productivity initiatives.

Strategic Planning & Growth
o    Define and execute product line strategies resulting in year-over-year growth faster than the underlying market.
o    Create and implement new business growth strategies, including Go/No-Go decision processes and resource allocation.
o    Prepare and execute comprehensive Annual Business Unit Plans with quarterly/monthly targets.

Team & Cross-Functional Leadership
o    Facilitate coordination of a multidisciplinary Product Line Team (PLT) across engineering, manufacturing, sales, and marketing.
o    Manage front end-product line budgets, resource planning, and talent development strategies.
o    Promote a high-performance, accountability-driven culture with clear goals and empowerment.

Customer Engagement & Market Development
o    Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, industry influencers, and stakeholders.
o    Conduct ongoing market research to identify customer needs, track competitor offerings, and monitor industry trends.
o    Lead contract reviews and negotiations to secure favorable terms and long-term partnerships.

Product Lifecycle Management
o    Oversee the product line from concept through design, development, certification, production, and end-of-life.
o    Provide product cost targets and monitor progress against objectives.
o    Track product performance metrics and customer satisfaction to guide future development products.
o    Governance & Reporting
o    Lead Go/No-Go team activities with data-driven business models.
o    Develop and present quarterly business reviews to executive management.
o    Implement initiatives to continuously improve responsiveness to customer and business needs.

Qualifications

Position Requirements
o    Ownership of product line agenda, priorities, and due dates with the goal of exceeding customer expectations and maximizing value.
o    Entrepreneurial, self-starter mindset with a bias for action and urgency.
o    Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills.
o    Ability to manage and prioritize multiple initiatives simultaneously.
o    Solid business acumen and effective communication skills, fostering open and honest dialogue.
o    Track new business bookings through structured tools (e.g., Taxi and Takeoff list).
o    Maintain Time & Territory plans in collaboration with VP of Sales & Business Development.

Qualifications & Skills
o    Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Marketing, or related field; MBA preferred.
o    Technical degree strongly preferred with familiarity in engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and regulatory standards (e.g., NADCAP, CE, PMP certification).
o    Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in product management, business development, or related roles within aerospace, defense, or industrial manufacturing.
o    Experience leading direct reports and cross-functional teams.
o    Strong interpersonal, leadership, and project management skills with proven ability to influence across functions.
o    Analytical thinker with ability to interpret market data, customer feedback, and financial reports.
o    Ability to travel 30%–35%.

Position Salary Range: $145,000 - $180,000/Annual.   Hiring range and position pay range may differ, commensurate with education, qualifications, and experience.