Head of Product & Design

fritzegger•Lexington, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Head of Product & Design is responsible for leading the strategic direction, development, and lifecycle management of particleboard and thermally fused laminate (TFL) products. This role bridges design innovation with manufacturing execution, ensuring products meet market demand, customer expectations, and operational efficiency standards. The candidate in this position brings a strong blend of industrial design, materials expertise, and manufacturing knowledge, particularly within wood-based products.

Requirements

5-10+ years of experience in product development/design within manufacturing, preferably wood products or building materials.
Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams.
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Wood Science, Engineering, or related field.
Strong knowledge of particleboard and TFL manufacturing processes.
Familiarity with surface technologies, laminates, and finishing systems.
Experience with CAD/design software and product lifecycle management (PLM) tools.
Understanding of cost structures, materials sourcing, and production constraints.

Responsibilities

Define and execute the product roadmap for particleboard and TFL offerings aligned with business objectives.
Identify market trends, customer needs, and competitive positioning to drive product innovation.
Lead new product development (NPD) from concept through commercialization.
Collaborate with sales and marketing to ensure product-market fit and successful launches.
Oversee product design, including surface finishes, textures, colors, and performance characteristics.
Ensure alignment with industry trends, customer specifications, and brand standards.
Integrate sustainability and cost-efficiency into design decisions.
Maintain a forward-looking design pipeline that supports long-term growth.
Partner closely with plant operations, engineering, and quality teams to ensure designs are manufacturable at scale.
Optimize product specifications for efficiency, yield, and cost control.
Support continuous improvement initiatives within production processes.
Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
Work with procurement on raw material sourcing and vendor innovation.
Support sales teams with technical expertise and product knowledge.
Collaborate with R&D on material performance and product enhancements.
Engage with key customers to understand evolving needs and feedback.
Build and lead a high-performing product and design team.
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
Set clear goals, provide coaching, and support professional development.
Other duties as assigned.