Product Development Project Manager

|Industrial & Energy - Mechanical|Christchurch

About us
Wyma is a leading engineering company that designs, manufactures, and distributes post-harvest vegetable and fruit handling equipment. With a head office in Christchurch, NZ and supporting offices in Australia, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom, Wyma is a truly global company providing innovative solutions for the fresh produce sector in over 50 countries.
 
With growth and plenty of ongoing and exciting work comes the need for additional people, and in this newly created role, we are looking for a Product Development Project Manager to lead the planning and coordination of new product development projects.
 
About the role
Typically working on 5 to 6 projects at a time, this role will manage product development project timelines and execution through all phases from concept, project scoping and cost estimation, to testing and logistical management of site trials and demonstrations.
 
In particular, you will:

  • Plan, schedule, and manage product development projects through the full development lifecycle
  • Track and report project progress, timelines, and resources through internal reporting systems
  • Coordinate internal resources across engineering, automation, and manufacturing teams
  • Support prototype development, testing programmes, and design reviews
  • Manage customer trials, including logistics, installation, commissioning, and site support
  • Coordinate stage-gate review processes and ensure project deliverables are met
  • Assist with new product demonstrations, including trade shows and customer presentations
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean 5S and Kaizen activities within the R&D team
  • Support and, where appropriate, coordinate H&S initiatives for the product development team

 To be successful in the role you will have:

  • Tertiary qualification in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering (preferred)
  • Proven project management experience managing complex equipment or machinery projects within a manufacturing environment
  • Design experience with 3D CAD software (Autodesk Inventor or similar)
  • Experience supporting new product development (NPD) or R&D projects
  • Strong planning, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work across multiple teams
  • The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines

 The successful candidate will have a strong affinity with Wyma’s core values of Flexibility, Respect, Energy, Sustainability and Honour. We value our staff and provide a generous package including a competitive salary (dependent on skill and industry experience), Healthcare Insurance, and KiwiSaver.
 
As this role has global coverage there is an international travel component.
 
Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the satisfactory completion of relevant pre-employment checks. Where a role involves safety-sensitive duties or the inherent requirements of the position necessitate it, these checks may include a drug and alcohol assessment and/or a fitness for work assessment. All assessments will be conducted in accordance with applicable legislation, and reasonable adjustments will be considered where appropriate.
 
Here is an opportunity to join a busy and growing team to centralise and ensure consistency and efficiency of project management for new product development. If you have the proven project management experience, and need a new challenge, let’s talk.

Technical Recruitment Solutions has been New Zealand’s trusted recruitment specialist for industry since 1996.

To apply for this position please click on the relevant button, alternatively for a confidential and discreet inquiry contact Andrew Hickey on +64 4 282 1562 or email andrew@trs.co.nz

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