Key Responsibilities:

• Manage multiple early-stage innovation projects from concept through early gate approvals, ensuring alignment with business and brand objectives.
• Own project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and documentation within Conair’s stage-gate development process.
• Collaborate closely with R&D teams in the U.S. and China, as well as Industrial Design, Product Marketing, Engineering, Finance, and other cross-functional partners.
• Serve as the primary project liaison with factory partners in China, supporting feasibility assessments, timing, and early development execution.
• Manage project documentation for stage-gate approvals and pipeline reporting.
• Actively contribute to quarterly pipeline reviews, providing feasibility insights, scenario planning, and risk assessments.
• Support idea formation by providing high-level guidance on complexity, timelines, and risk mitigation during early concept development.
• Facilitate cross-functional communication, issue resolution, and risk mitigation throughout early development phases.
• Support consumer-centric decision making by aligning design, functionality, and usability with target consumer needs.
• Prepare and present project updates, timelines, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and leadership.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Product Development, Design, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in project management within consumer products, appliances, or innovation-focused environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects within a stage-gate product development process.
• Experience working directly with factories and development partners in China.
• Strong ability to manage timelines and cross-functional inputs in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively across time zones and cultures.
• Comfort with ambiguity and new process implementation.
• Ability to manage complexity and maintain credibility in a dynamic, matrixed organizational environment.
• Experience in Hair Care, Garment Care, or Small Home Appliances is a plus.

• Working conditions are normal for an office environment.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to use a computer keyboard and view a monitor for extended periods of time.
• This role requires Stamford, CT office on-site presence Monday through Thursday, with the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere on Fridays. 

• Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision plans
• Generous Paid Time Off Programs
• Life & Disability Insurance
• FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401k and company match
• EAP & Employee Wellness Programs
• Volunteer Days Paid Time Off
• Free breakfast and lunch in the Stamford office