About Us:
BW Converting Solutions is a strategic alliance of resources and services that bring together several Barry-Wehmiller companies — Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), Winkler + Dünnebier (W+D), STAX Technologies, Hudson-Sharp, Baldwin Technologies and Northern Engraving and Machine. These industry leaders offer trusted brands and innovative technologies in the design, manufacture, and service of high-performance converting and packaging machinery for the tissue, nonwovens, hygiene, bag-converting, mailing, and printing industries.
Job Description:
The Global New Product Development Director will drive enterprise-wide product innovation and commercialization strategy. This high-impact role orchestrates cross-functional development initiatives across our global engineering organization, managing complex programs from concept to market launch using stage-gate methodologies.
This matrixed position provides indirect oversight of 50+ Mechanical, Electrical, and Software Engineers while directly managing Engineering Project Leaders and Program Managers. The successful candidate will translate research breakthroughs into commercially successful products that define the future of industrial automation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Strategic Product Development Leadership
- Lead enterprise-wide product development strategy and stage-gate processes from Discovery through Launch
- Partner with the senior leadership team, Engineering Leadership and the Head of Research to translate breakthrough technologies into viable product concepts
- Collaborate with business leaders to prioritize development investments and resource allocation
- Develop product development metrics and KPIs to track portfolio performance
Cross-Functional Program Management
- Provide matrix leadership across 50+ engineers in Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, and Software disciplines
- Directly manage 6-8 Engineering Project Leaders and Engineers
- Facilitate collaboration between engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and product management
- Ensure integration of mechanical systems, embedded controls, software platforms, and automation technologies
Product Portfolio & Pipeline Management
- Manage balanced portfolio of development projects across business units and technology platforms
- Lead gate review processes, business case development, and go/no-go decision frameworks
- Establish product development standards, processes, and best practices across global teams
- Drive continuous improvement in development cycle times and commercial success rates
Technical Integration & Innovation
- Ensure technical excellence across mechanical design, electrical systems, and software platforms
- Lead integration of advanced technologies including AI/ML, IoT, vision systems, and smart automation
- Drive platform strategies for controls and connectivity to maximize reuse and scalability
- Oversee intellectual property development and ensure regulatory compliance
Team Development & Operational Excellence
- Build high-performing product development teams across multiple geographies
- Implement talent development and succession planning strategies for engineering leaders
- Establish global coordination processes to optimize team utilization and project efficiency
- Foster culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related); Master's or MBA preferred
- 12+ years of product development experience in capital equipment or industrial automation
- 7+ years leading complex, multi-disciplinary engineering programs and teams
- Proven track record of successful product launches and commercialization
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
Product Development Expertise
- Deep expertise in stage-gate product development methodologies and gate review processes
- Strong understanding of precision mechanical systems, industrial automation, and manufacturing technologies
- Experience with embedded systems, PLC programming, vision systems, and smart manufacturing platforms
- Knowledge of regulatory compliance and global market standards
Leadership & Management Skills
- Exceptional matrix leadership skills with experience managing 50+ indirect reports across disciplines
- Strong program management capabilities for complex, multi-year initiatives
- Excellent communication skills with ability to influence senior leadership and stakeholders
- Experience building and scaling engineering teams across global locations
Technical & Business Capabilities
- Proficiency with PLM systems, project management software, and portfolio management platforms
- Strong analytical skills with experience developing business cases and ROI models
- Understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and cost optimization
- Knowledge of intellectual property strategy and competitive analysis
Reporting Structure
Reports directly to Global VP of Engineering and works closely with Head of Research, Directors of Mechanical, Electrical, Controls & Embedded Systems Engineering.
COMPETENCES
- Customer Focus – Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
- Instills Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
- Drives Results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
- Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
- Optimizes Work Processes - Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Ensures Accountability - Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
- Collaborates – Building partnerships and collaborating with others to meet shared objectives.
- Decision Quality – Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
- Balances Stakeholders - Anticipating and balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders.
- Plans and aligns - Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.
Company:
Baldwin TechnologySimilar Jobs
What We Do
We’re Building A Better World. We’re more than just a successful capital equipment and engineering solutions firm. We’re an organization fiercely committed to improving the lives of our team members across the globe. By providing meaningful work in an environment of care and compassion, we send them home fulfilled by their time with us, rather than drained by it. We understand what every human being on the planet desires: to know that who they are and what they do matter. As a business, we have a unique opportunity to let them know that they do. Through our Truly Human Leadership culture and personal growth initiatives, we help them become their best selves. And when we bring out their best, they give their best. To their work, their team members and friends, our customers and suppliers, the people in the communities in which they work and live, and--most important of all--to their families. And before you know it, a better job has helped build a better world!
