Head of Product & Design

The Head of Product & Design is responsible for leading the strategic direction, development, and lifecycle management of particleboard and thermally fused laminate (TFL) products. This role bridges design innovation with manufacturing execution, ensuring products meet market demand, customer expectations, and operational efficiency standards. The candidate in this position brings a strong blend of industrial design, materials expertise, and manufacturing knowledge, particularly within wood-based products.

City: Lexington (US)   Contract Type: Full-time     Job-Code: 6798   Department: Product Management  

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB FUNCTIONS: (Job functions include but are not limited to the following)

Product Strategy & Development

• Define and execute the product roadmap for particleboard and TFL offerings aligned with business objectives.
• Identify market trends, customer needs, and competitive positioning to drive product innovation.
• Lead new product development (NPD) from concept through commercialization.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to ensure product-market fit and successful launches.

Design Leadership

• Oversee product design, including surface finishes, textures, colors, and performance characteristics.
• Ensure alignment with industry trends, customer specifications, and brand standards.
• Integrate sustainability and cost-efficiency into design decisions.
• Maintain a forward-looking design pipeline that supports long-term growth.

Manufacturing Integration

• Partner closely with plant operations, engineering, and quality teams to ensure designs are manufacturable at scale.
• Optimize product specifications for efficiency, yield, and cost control.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within production processes.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with procurement on raw material sourcing and vendor innovation.
• Support sales teams with technical expertise and product knowledge.
• Collaborate with R&D on material performance and product enhancements.
• Engage with key customers to understand evolving needs and feedback.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build and lead a high-performing product and design team.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
• Set clear goals, provide coaching, and support professional development.
• Other duties as assigned.

SCHEDULE DEMANDS

• Office Standard: 8-hour M-F assignment; however, employee must be willing to work alternate schedules occasionally; that may include early mornings, nights, and/or weekends and be punctual while doing so.
• Occasional overnight travel to include flying, driving, riding or by rail, for customer visits, trade shows, and vendor meetings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time up to 8 hours.
• Occasional Lifting up to 20 pounds.
• Combination of office and manufacturing plant environment with regular interaction with production teams and on-site equipment.
• Reading computer screen or other electronic devices.
• Use of various office hand and electrical tools or equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS

BACKGROUND / EXPERIENCE

• 5-10+ years of experience in product development/design within manufacturing, preferably wood products or building materials.
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams.

SKILLS, EDUCATION, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Wood Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of particleboard and TFL manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with surface technologies, laminates, and finishing systems.
• Experience with CAD/design software and product lifecycle management (PLM) tools.
• Understanding of cost structures, materials sourcing, and production constraints.

BENEFITS

Your Contact

Jessica Ostroska, Talent Acquisition | EGGER North America   

+1 336 843 7152

EGGER, North America (including subsidiaries), is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship or immigration status (where legally protected), marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.