New Product Innovation Manager

New Product Development Manager
Top Payment Product Solutions Organization
Position Description


Client OverviewOur client is a leading consumer finance business with a long history in this business. They work with retailers, dealers and service providers in more than 20 markets to provide financing for consumers including: home improvement, automotive, recreational vehicles, marine, power sports, landscaping, outdoor power equipment, consumer electronics and appliances, furniture, flooring, music, jewelry and luxury goods, sporting goods, travel and various health care disciplines.
Our client is seeking to hire a New Product Development Manager to drive significant additional profitable growth. This position reports directly to the Head of New Product Development and Innovation and is located in a midsized Midwest City. Relocation assistance is being provided.
Major ResponsibilitiesThe New Product Development Manager that will be responsible for developing and maintaining a healthy product pipeline; from insights and ideation through launch and commercialization.
The New Product Development Manager is responsible for the new product innovation process and the results at each stage of development for a major business unit.

The Major Responsibilities include the following: Idea Generation and Review

Responsible for the development and improvement of new and current products.
In charge of developing and testing new products delivery model.
Work closely with Market Research and Marketing Analytics teams to review and use existing customer insights to also aid in innovation
Create, evaluate and analyze proposals for new business ideas, new lines of business and products.
Present product ideas to senior management and seek approval for execution and launch.
Build strategic relationships with partners and vendors to identify product and trial opportunities
Manage the product development/enhancement process from inception through to delivery including where necessary the actual project management of the delivery

Managing Ideas and Innovation:

Interaction with senior level management in Partner Services, Consumer Services, Marketing, Sales, IT, Finance, Risk, Legal, and Compliance to help champion new ideas and ensure appropriate size and scope of proposed action plans.
Demonstrate excellent project management skills, with a proven track record of successful delivery of projects on time, in line with budget expectations and to strategy.
Work cross-functionally with Market Research and Customer Analytics to build on previous ideas and create new strategies.

Continuous Improvement:

Conduct post-launch assessment of newly implemented initiatives.
Research, evaluate and filter assigned ideas from senior management.
Develop analytical tools to filter and prioritize ideas.
Challenge ideas lacking substance.

Desired Qualifications and ExperienceThe andldquo;idealandrdquo; New Product Development Manager candidate will have the following qualifications:

College degree. MBA highly-desirable.
Minimum 10 years in financial services industry and/or strategy experience specifically in consumer credit, payment solutions, retail banking, small business, and/or B2B.

In addition, the following are the desired characteristics of a strong candidate for this role:In-depth and thorough knowledge of financial products, strategic/analytic, and marketing concepts
Proven ability to deliver new products in a complex, matrix operating environment
Ability to work in cross-functional and virtual teams
Proven ability to take ownership and manage a suite of projects
Experience generating and testing hypotheses
Strategic thinker
Experience evaluating new product/market ideas
Strong idea and people leadership skills
Organizational and administrative skills
Outstanding interpersonal communication and extremely strong presentation skills