Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC) is an innovative wave technology company. KSWC is the first company to develop a formula that combines cutting edge science, engineering, and design to create the longest, open-barrel, high-performance man-made wave in existence. The Wave System can mimic the power, speed, and experience found in the best ocean waves. As envisioned by 11-time world champion Kelly Slater, KSWC was created to evolve the sport of surfing by making it more accessible. The company is creating a world-class, high-performance system for surfers of any level to enjoy the best man-made waves.

The Product Development Leader (VP or Director level) will report Directly to the SVP of Engineering & Technology. They will be primarily responsible for leading engineers, designers, and scientists in various New Product Introduction (NPI) and product improvement projects. This role will require stakeholder engagement with customers, both internal and external, and outstanding organizational skills to manage multiple simultaneous projects aligned with a technology growth strategy.

New products will be developed for specific projects and as part of an approved research and development portfolio. Our existing products will continue to evolve through new technology and shifts in market needs. The evolution of our existing products along with the introduction of new products will make up our overall product roadmap. The product development leader will continue to evaluate and prioritize the product roadmap in alignment with senior leadership. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience working within creative thinking processes combined with an aptitude for project management.

Responsibilities:

  • Continually maintains and improves a product and technology roadmap aligned with business and customer needs for the short and long term.
  • Collaborates closely with business development and customer team to maximize ROI of every potential product.
  • Ultimately responsible for delivering new products through internal R&D and supplier partnerships.
  • Prototype and deliver technology to build surf experiences
  • Identify, vet and manage vendors as needed to accomplish project work
  • Establish and maintain productive relationships with collaborators
  • Plans, identifies, and coordinates resources required over the life of the project or program.
  • Defines plans for risk mitigation and opportunity.
  • Compares actual results to baseline plan to assess project performance, efficiencies, productivity and lessons learned.
  • Provides technical, business and integration leadership for the development and execution of project or team plans.
  • Planning, identifying, and coordinating resources for complex engineering projects.
  • Be part of a small team that integrates mechanical systems, constructed basin, and surrounding infrastructure to create an overall surfing experience informed by our existing Surf Ranch product.
  • Work across disciplines
  • Compares actual results to baseline plan to assess project performance, efficiencies, productivity and lessons learned.
  • Provides technical, business and integration leadership for the development and execution of project or team plans.

Qualifications:

  • 10+ years of experience in an engineering or related field
  • Experience designing and building complex systems
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver new products to market as an NPI or product development leader.
  • Adaptable and flexible as the team learns through prototyping and playtesting, adjusting strategy as needed
  • Thrives working in collaborative interdisciplinary groups comprised of engineering, science, design and surfer talent
  • Experience managing the requirements of a diverse collection of stakeholders and proposing innovative solutions that meet and sometimes challenge those requirements
  • Ability to provide guidance and feedback to other project teams to assess feasibility, difficulty, effort and risk
  • Passionate about new technology

Personal Attributes / Working Conditions:

  • Above all, integrity and honesty
  • An open and collaborative nature
  • Excellent communication. You will have the opportunity to be a strong contributor in a positive, innovative and energetic environment. Must be able to listen, interpret, communicate and articulate designs while balancing the needs and expectations of the business.
  • Full Time, Monday to Friday, some overtime and weekend work may be required
  • Travel required.


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