Director, New Product Development

Jacuzzi Group is a leading global manufacturer of hot tubs, swim spas, baths, showers, saunas, and pool equipment. More than four thousand global employees work across a portfolio of brands, including Jacuzzi, Sundance Spas, Hydropool Swim Spas and Hot Tubs, DreamMaker, and more. With manufacturing and warehouse operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, Chile, and Australia, we have more than 70 years of experience

We’re seeking a dynamic, hands-on, and technically fluent Director, New Product Development to lead and inspire a talented team of engineers and program managers. In this critical role, you’ll oversee the full lifecycle of innovative, industry-leading products—from concept through to launch.

You’ll champion breakthrough thinking, drive cross-functional collaboration, and ensure all products are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with our strategic goals. If you’re passionate about product excellence and thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Must be willing to work onsite in Chino, CA at least 3 days a week.

Who You Are:

• A mechanical engineer at heart who evolved into a product development or innovation leader.
• You thrive on taking on challenges and solving them — turning consumer insights into beautiful, thoughtful and manufacturable products.
• You’ve led the full product lifecycle from concept to design, to validation to launch.
• You are a great communicator and energize teams to meet goals and solve problems by encouraging open supportive collaboration.
• You bring a mix of corporate discipline and start-up enthusiasm — structured but open to new solutions.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead a team of engineers experienced in product requirements, performance testing, compliance testing and manufacturing design.
• Lead end-to-end product innovation — from opportunity identification and concept creation to global market launch and lifecycle refreshes.
• Be the customer advocate — get out in the field, translate unmet needs into product requirements, and turn insights into high-demand solutions.
• Drive technology strategy — identify, validate, and integrate the right technologies that deliver real, differentiated value.
• Prototype, test, iterate — own early concept validation and ensure every new product hits the mark before scaling.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, design, marketing, and ODM partners to deliver exceptional, intuitive, industry-leading products.
• Seek out and apply knowledge of new trends and innovation to identify not only new products but also opportunities to improve overall consumer experience (Out of Box experience)
• Develop and manage annual R&D budget.
• Identify and coordinate with Product Teams and Suppliers, new functionalities and product features while maintaining and/or reducing cost of manufacturing.
• Work closely with the quality and compliance functions to ensure all safety and regulatory requirements are continuously met.
• Work closely with the global sourcing organization with respect to vendor selection and qualification.
• Work directly with Legal (in-house and external) to maintain database of intellectual property such as patents and copyrights. Responsible to ensure protection of inventions and intellectual property, and thereby assists in filing for patents and copyrights, and maintain appropriate documents and files. Also provides technical and business support for various product-related litigation the company is involved in.

• Additional duties as assigned.

Compensation: $165,000+ depending on experience, plus eligibility for bonus

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Requirements

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering; MBA a plus
• 10+ years in engineering, product development, or product management roles
• Proven experience developing complete, tangible, complex products
• Demonstrated success using Voice of Customer insights to create innovative, high-value products
• Strong technical fluency — able to engage engineers, suppliers, and customers with credibility
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing at all levels
• Willing to travel (up to 20%) for launches and supplier partners
• Hands on teamwork in office 3 days a week

Benefits

• 401(k) with matching program
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance