Product Development Manager - Los Angeles, CA

POSITION IDENTIFICATION

Title: Product Development Manager

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Target Start Date: Immediately

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Impact Housing (IH) is a mission-driven company headquartered in Southern California. Specializing in the design, development, construction, and activation of unsubsidized affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households, IH employs innovative off-site construction and modular design methods to swiftly address housing needs in San Diego and Los Angeles. To date, Impact Housing has deployed over 800 units from our product line into the market, each ranging in cost from $275,000 to $400,000.

IH operates as a vertically integrated company, possessing in-house manufacturing, architecture, and general contracting capabilities that create an ideal environment for cutting-edge product development efforts for the continuous improvement of its product line(s). Presently, the company can produce and erect approximately 1,000 residential units annually. With a growing presence in the market, IH intends to augment its production capacity to align with the evolving demands of the market.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AT IMPACT HOUSING

The cornerstone of Impact Housing's strategy lies in the development and continuous improvement of our product line of standardized residential units, designed for manufacturing and maintainability. Building upon eight years of refinement, our current product line, currently Version 2, embodies this ethos.

Impact Housing views product development as a comprehensive initiative that encompasses not only the physical units but the entirety of our current and future tenants’ interactions with our company. Much like a hospitality company that employees an overarching brand and market strategy, we intentionally develop and improve the building environment, including entries, indoor and outdoor amenities, as well as other customer touchpoints, such as marketing, the leasing process, and other key touchpoints, including a tenant digital app we will be developing.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

A multi-disciplinary team of Impact Housing personnel is presently engaged in analyzing potential enhancements to the product line, drawing insights from consumer, investor, and lender feedback, which underscores the need to identify a product development professional to assume leadership of this mission-critical initiative.

Impact Housing is seeking an exceptional and experienced Product Development Manager to join our growing team. The Product Development Manager is a pivotal professional who spearheads the creation and refinement of our standard residential units at Impact Housing. This position will blend insights from our tenant population, investors, lenders, and our highly experienced internal teams to guide the product development process. Charged with the task of aligning product offerings with business objectives, and adept in navigating complexities of product lifecycles, ensuring that each phase meets quality, cost, and time–to–market expectations. This role is both strategic and tactical, requiring a balance of creative vision and pragmatic decision-making to successfully bring products to life that resonate with consumers and bolster Impact Housing’s competitive edge.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leading and coordinating cross-functional teams throughout the product development cycle.
• Articulating product vision and strategy alignment with Impact Housing’s business objectives and market trends.
• Conducting market research to identify customer needs and product opportunities.
• Continuously analyzing competitive offerings in Southern California and around the country to inform and inspire product innovation.
• Developing and managing product roadmaps, timelines, and budgets.
• Overseeing design, prototyping, and testing phases to ensure product specifications are met.
• Collaborating with internal teams to optimize product quality and manufacturability.
• Implementing agile methodologies and best practices to enhance product development processes.
• Working with branding, marketing, and leasing teams to develop go-to-market strategies and fine tune product positioning and brand messaging.
• Monitoring product performance post-launch and incorporating feedback into future development.
• Managing stakeholder communication, providing regular updates on product progress and milestones to corporate leadership, investors, and other key groups.
• Establishes the strategic direction of the company’s product development operations; executes this strategy in collaboration with company leadership.
• Oversees the product process from development through production; proactively addresses and solves any issues and risks that arise.
• Tracks, analyzes, and reports product, program, and process costs.
• Maintains knowledge in developing trends and technologies in the industry.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven ability to improve business processes and practices to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
• Ability to identify and implement best practices and continual performance measurement.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and product development software.
• Proficient with the financial tools required to make estimates, business forecasts, and strategic decisions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work in a fast-paced office environment, multi-task, and meet critical deadlines with an eye for accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ability to work with all levels of project staff and organization.

• Experience with Smartsheet, Project Sight, and QuickBooks preferred.

• This position summary is not a complete representation of the position; the essential function of the position may change as duties are assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• At least ten years of experience in a product development role.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; master’s degree preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

 COMPENSATION

• Competitive salary range of $155,000 - $165,000 depending on experience.

• Health benefits, Medical Dental, FSA, HAS

• Competitive Bonus

• Vacation

• Sick time

• Holiday pay

• Ownership of company equity

• 401K Retirement Plan

Impact Housing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, medical condition, pregnancy, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.