Product Development Engineering Manager

Job ID: 17722

Alternate Locations: Newell Brands is a leading $8.3B consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands such as Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid® and Sharpie®, and 25,000 talented employees around the world. Our high-performance culture, unparalleled curiosity about the world around us, and talented people fuel our success. Our culture is enabled through our core values which guide all we do and how we win as One Newell. They are Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership & Leadership.

Position Summary The China Office Manager & Product Development Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the China Office operations and serving as the technical authority for all China-sourced products supporting Brazil and LATAM business needs.

This role oversees product development, sourcing engineering, supplier quality, compliance, certification, industrialization, and technical support activities across OEM, ODM, and strategic supplier partners. The position acts as the primary bridge between regional business teams and manufacturing partners in China, ensuring successful execution of innovation, cost savings, quality improvements, supply continuity, and commercialization initiatives.

The role also manages local office operations, team development, budgets, supplier relationships, and strategic business initiatives to support the company's long-term growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities Product Development & Engineering

• Lead all China-sourced NPD and product improvement programs from concept through commercialization.
• Own technical product requirements, specifications, validation plans, and product release approvals.
• Manage design reviews, engineering changes, cost optimization, and value engineering initiatives.
• Drive supplier innovation and identify new technologies, manufacturing capabilities, and market opportunities.
• Support localization, dual-sourcing, and supply chain resilience initiatives.

Supplier Management & Sourcing

• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with OEMs, ODMs, contract manufacturers, and component suppliers.
• Lead supplier selection, qualification, audits, and performance management.
• Support commercial negotiations involving product specifications, tooling investments, cost reductions, quality improvements, and delivery performance.
• Identify supply chain risks and implement mitigation plans.

Quality & Compliance

• Provide technical oversight for supplier quality systems and manufacturing processes.
• Lead resolution of product quality issues, warranty concerns, recalls, and CAPA activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and certification requirements, including Inmetro, IEC, UL, ETL, RoHS, and market-specific requirements.
• Oversee laboratory testing, product validation, inspections, and production readiness assessments.

Industrialization & Manufacturing

• Support tooling development, pilot production, PPAP approvals, and production launch readiness.
• Ensure products can be manufactured consistently at required quality, cost, and delivery targets.
• Drive manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and process improvements at supplier facilities.

China Office Leadership

• Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams across Product Development, Quality, Sourcing, and Office Administration.
• Manage office budget, operational expenses, capital investments, and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, labor laws, company policies, and governance requirements.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

Business Partnership

• Act as the primary liaison between China suppliers and global stakeholders.
• Provide executive updates on project status, risks, quality issues, sourcing challenges, and business opportunities.
• Support long-term strategic planning and portfolio development.
• Represent the company during supplier visits, trade shows, industry forums, and technical reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Production, Mechatronics, or related field).
• 10+ years of experience in Product Development, Quality, Sourcing, Manufacturing, or Engineering Management.
• Proven experience managing teams and operations within China.
• Strong experience with OEM and ODM product development models.
• Experience working with consumer products, home appliances, electronics, or durable goods.
• Demonstrated success managing suppliers across product development, quality, commercial, and manufacturing activities.
• Strong understanding of international product compliance and certification requirements.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a multicultural environment.
• Fluent English.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced business degree.
• Mandarin proficiency.
• Experience managing multinational teams.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, APQP, FMEA, PPAP, and DFMA.
• Experience supporting LATAM markets and regulatory requirements.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management training.

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. We are focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments.