Johnson Outdoors
Director Engineering Project Management
Johnson Outdoors, Mankato, Minnesota, United States, 56006
Overview
Director Engineering Project Management
role at
Johnson Outdoors
— we are seeking a highly skilled leader to drive R&D, New Product Development (NPD) and Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives, and to standardize engineering methods, procedures, and policies. With 1,300 employees, 19 global facility locations and selling into over 80 countries, this role ensures operational excellence, innovation velocity, and product integrity across our global consumer durables portfolio. Location: Alpharetta, GA or Mankato, MN. Leadership and Strategy
Develops and implements global project management strategies and methodologies to ensure successful project delivery. Provides leadership and direction to multiple project management teams, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Collaborates with senior leadership to align engineering projects with the organization’s strategic objectives. Leads cross-functional teams in the successful delivery of R&D, NPD, and VA/VE projects from concept through commercialization. Defines and oversees project scope, timelines, budgets, and risks to ensure alignment with strategic business goals. Oversees project portfolio governance, prioritization, and resource planning. Engineering Process Development
Designs, implements, and continuously improves standardized engineering processes, tools, and documentation practices. Develops and enforces engineering policies and procedures to ensure consistency, compliance, and quality across global teams. Collaborates with engineering, quality, and operations to align processes with product lifecycle and regulatory requirements. Training & Capability Building
Creates and leads training programs to upskill engineering and project management teams on best practices, tools, and methodologies. Fosters a culture of continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and technical excellence. Serves as a mentor and coach to project managers and engineering leads. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partners with product management, manufacturing, operations, and quality to ensure seamless integration of engineering and business objectives. Facilitates effective communication and decision-making across global stakeholders. Other
Performs other duties as assigned. Supervisory/Management Responsibilities
Prepares and approves department budgets while ensuring budgets are managed within approved guidelines. Develops and approves departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines to meet business needs. In partnership with human resources, performs human resources responsibilities for staff, including, but not limited to: hiring and terminating employees, promotions/pay adjustments, staff development, performance evaluations, resolution of employee concerns, and disciplinary counseling. What you need to succeed
Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, project management or equivalent. Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible engineering project management experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role. Expertise in overseeing/directing project management from concept development to implementation and evaluation; deep understanding of PM methodologies and best practices in planning, execution, monitoring, and closure. Proven success leading R&D and NPD projects and implementing VA/VE initiatives. Experience with global product development and distributed engineering teams. Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira) and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Stage-Gate, Lean). Familiarity with PLM systems, DFMEA, DFM/DFA, and design control processes. Experience in hardware/software integrated product development and smart/connected devices. Knowledge across mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering; understanding of engineering processes, standards, and regulations. Strong budgeting, financial forecasting, and cost control skills, including ROI analysis and resource allocation. Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide multiple PM teams across locations; ability to build and maintain high-performing teams. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills; ability to convey complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences, including senior leadership, stakeholders, and team members. Strong collaboration across product management, operations, quality assurance, and external partners. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management software/tools. A few pointers about our culture
Entrepreneurial spirit and innovation are in our bones; we authentically innovate trusted equipment that gets people outdoors. We are laser-focused on our consumers, and passionate about providing superior solutions flexible to meet any event’s needs or mission requirements. We strive to create meaningful, healthy change in the world as individuals and as a family of brands. We value team members who are willing to wear many hats, take initiative, anticipate needs, and figure things out, while also asking for help and collaborating. What you will receive
Share in the company’s success
with competitive base salary plus potential earnings through the management bonus program and eligibility for annual pay increases. Find work/life balance
with generous paid time off and holiday benefits, a full benefits package, and wellness programs. Further your career
with performance development and training opportunities, including tuition assistance. Have fun at work
with a collaborative, casual environment, company events, and employee discounts on outdoor products. Plan for your future
with 401(k) with company match, college savings programs, life and disability insurance, and more. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at Johnson Outdoors without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran, marital, or citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. Johnson Outdoors is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact Human Resources at HRSpecialAccommodations@johnsonoutdoors.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global innovator of outdoor recreation equipment and technologies that inspire more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of brands across four categories: Watercraft Recreation, Fishing, Diving and Camping. Johnson Outdoors' iconic brands include Old Town canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak; Carlisle paddles; Minn Kota motors, batteries and anchors; Cannon downriggers; Humminbird; SCUBAPRO; Jetboil. Founded in 1970 by Samuel C. Johnson, the Company has delivered growth over its history, evolving from a single brand into a global enterprise with around 1,300 employees across 20 countries. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities Seniority level
Director Employment type
Full-time Job function
Manufacturing Industries
Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Director Engineering Project Management
role at
Johnson Outdoors
— we are seeking a highly skilled leader to drive R&D, New Product Development (NPD) and Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives, and to standardize engineering methods, procedures, and policies. With 1,300 employees, 19 global facility locations and selling into over 80 countries, this role ensures operational excellence, innovation velocity, and product integrity across our global consumer durables portfolio. Location: Alpharetta, GA or Mankato, MN. Leadership and Strategy
Develops and implements global project management strategies and methodologies to ensure successful project delivery. Provides leadership and direction to multiple project management teams, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Collaborates with senior leadership to align engineering projects with the organization’s strategic objectives. Leads cross-functional teams in the successful delivery of R&D, NPD, and VA/VE projects from concept through commercialization. Defines and oversees project scope, timelines, budgets, and risks to ensure alignment with strategic business goals. Oversees project portfolio governance, prioritization, and resource planning. Engineering Process Development
Designs, implements, and continuously improves standardized engineering processes, tools, and documentation practices. Develops and enforces engineering policies and procedures to ensure consistency, compliance, and quality across global teams. Collaborates with engineering, quality, and operations to align processes with product lifecycle and regulatory requirements. Training & Capability Building
Creates and leads training programs to upskill engineering and project management teams on best practices, tools, and methodologies. Fosters a culture of continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and technical excellence. Serves as a mentor and coach to project managers and engineering leads. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partners with product management, manufacturing, operations, and quality to ensure seamless integration of engineering and business objectives. Facilitates effective communication and decision-making across global stakeholders. Other
Performs other duties as assigned. Supervisory/Management Responsibilities
Prepares and approves department budgets while ensuring budgets are managed within approved guidelines. Develops and approves departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines to meet business needs. In partnership with human resources, performs human resources responsibilities for staff, including, but not limited to: hiring and terminating employees, promotions/pay adjustments, staff development, performance evaluations, resolution of employee concerns, and disciplinary counseling. What you need to succeed
Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, project management or equivalent. Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible engineering project management experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role. Expertise in overseeing/directing project management from concept development to implementation and evaluation; deep understanding of PM methodologies and best practices in planning, execution, monitoring, and closure. Proven success leading R&D and NPD projects and implementing VA/VE initiatives. Experience with global product development and distributed engineering teams. Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira) and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Stage-Gate, Lean). Familiarity with PLM systems, DFMEA, DFM/DFA, and design control processes. Experience in hardware/software integrated product development and smart/connected devices. Knowledge across mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering; understanding of engineering processes, standards, and regulations. Strong budgeting, financial forecasting, and cost control skills, including ROI analysis and resource allocation. Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide multiple PM teams across locations; ability to build and maintain high-performing teams. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills; ability to convey complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences, including senior leadership, stakeholders, and team members. Strong collaboration across product management, operations, quality assurance, and external partners. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management software/tools. A few pointers about our culture
Entrepreneurial spirit and innovation are in our bones; we authentically innovate trusted equipment that gets people outdoors. We are laser-focused on our consumers, and passionate about providing superior solutions flexible to meet any event’s needs or mission requirements. We strive to create meaningful, healthy change in the world as individuals and as a family of brands. We value team members who are willing to wear many hats, take initiative, anticipate needs, and figure things out, while also asking for help and collaborating. What you will receive
Share in the company’s success
with competitive base salary plus potential earnings through the management bonus program and eligibility for annual pay increases. Find work/life balance
with generous paid time off and holiday benefits, a full benefits package, and wellness programs. Further your career
with performance development and training opportunities, including tuition assistance. Have fun at work
with a collaborative, casual environment, company events, and employee discounts on outdoor products. Plan for your future
with 401(k) with company match, college savings programs, life and disability insurance, and more. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at Johnson Outdoors without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran, marital, or citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. Johnson Outdoors is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact Human Resources at HRSpecialAccommodations@johnsonoutdoors.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global innovator of outdoor recreation equipment and technologies that inspire more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of brands across four categories: Watercraft Recreation, Fishing, Diving and Camping. Johnson Outdoors' iconic brands include Old Town canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak; Carlisle paddles; Minn Kota motors, batteries and anchors; Cannon downriggers; Humminbird; SCUBAPRO; Jetboil. Founded in 1970 by Samuel C. Johnson, the Company has delivered growth over its history, evolving from a single brand into a global enterprise with around 1,300 employees across 20 countries. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities Seniority level
Director Employment type
Full-time Job function
Manufacturing Industries
Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr