Director, Product Management for Innovation Hub (Hybrid Work Schedule)

See What We’re All About

As the fastest-growing distributor of restaurant equipment, HVAC and residential appliance parts, we like to do things a little differently. First, you need to understand and demonstrate our Core Values with safety being your first priority. That’s key. But we’re also looking for unique enthusiasm, high integrity, courage to embrace change…and if you know a few jokes, that puts you on the top of our list!

Do you have a genius-level knowledge of original equipment manufacturer parts? If not, no problem! We’re more interested in passionate people with fresh ideas from different backgrounds. That’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We’re proud that our workplace has been recognized for its growth and innovation on the Inc. 5000 list 15 years in a row and the Crain’s Fast 50 list ten times. We are honored to be voted by our Chicagoland team as a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace for the last four years.

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, go above and beyond and put your ambition to work, all while having some fun, let’s chat – Apply Today!

Red Lightning Group

Red Lightning Group is an innovation hub operating within Parts Town Unlimited. We’re focused on bringing groundbreaking digital solutions to market, across all divisions. As part of RLG, you will be part of developing game-changing products and services. Our goal is to deliver the future, and we’re moving fast to expand our team and make an impact.

Perks

• Parts Town Pride – check out our virtual tour and culture!
• Team member appreciation events and recognition programs
• Volunteer opportunities
• Monthly IT stipend
• Casual dress code
• On-demand pay options: Access your pay as you earn it, to cover unexpected or even everyday expenses
• All the traditional benefits like health insurance, 401k/401k match, employee assistance programs and time away – don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

The Job at a Glance

 The Director, Product Management for Innovation Hub will ensure a successful discovery, definition, design, and rapid execution of proof of concepts/prototypes to validate new innovations aligned with Parts Town Red Lightning Group’s vision and strategic goals. This role owns these initiatives and helps manage them by collaborating with cross-functional and cross-divisional teams on the development, delivery, and measurement of new innovations. It involves a mix of project management, stakeholder engagement, creative problem-solving, and domain knowledge to ensure that the innovation comes to life and achieves its intended objectives. As the principal liaison between the divisional business teams and technology groups, you will be achieving cross-functional collaboration by bringing an understanding of both technical and business to support the implementation of innovations.

A Typical Day 

• Define clear objectives and scope for each initiative, ensuring alignment with the group’s broader goals
• Establish timelines, milestones, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the project in each stage of the process
• Discover and design each new initiative through every step of process implementation (brainstorming and creation, proof of concept development, rapid prototyping, risk management, resource allocation & management, etc.)
• Facilitate user testing sessions, collecting feedback on prototype usability and functionality
• Develop each initiative through the full cycle of the development process (documenting, communicating, presenting, monitoring, incorporating learnings into future strategies, etc.)
• Oversee the execution of new innovations, ensuring they meet defined objectives
• Serve as lead product owner on large cross-divisional initiatives assuring all user stories written by other product owners align and roll-up to the Initiative’s goals/strategy
• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned initiatives, interfacing with internal and external stakeholders
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration among teams such as research, design, technology, and business development to achieve project objectives
• Regularly update leadership and other stakeholders on the progress of the initiative, including challenges, successes, and changes in scope or direction.
• Document all aspects of the initiative for future reference, learning, and scaling
• Actively participate in knowledge-sharing sessions, workshops, and stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in innovation.

To Land This Opportunity 

• You have 5+ years of experience in project management, product development, or innovation-focused roles
• You are an expert in innovation methodologies (e.g., Design Thinking, Lean Startup)
• You thrive in a fast-paced ever-changing environment and you are exceptionally flexible and resilient
• You are a thoughtful leader with a proven track of insightful analytics
• You love to be a mentor who knows all tricks and tips about surfing through relationship management and you are an extraordinary influencer who builds bridges at all levels
• You have fantastic communication and presentation skills & you’re proficient in English (verbal and written)
• You always connect with stakeholders and leadership to bring clarity and precision to everything you do

• You consider yourself a rockstar for demonstrating success in bringing innovative projects or products to market

About Your Future Team

We're a team fueled by curiosity and always ready to explore the next big idea, whether it's a breakthrough in AI or a quirky new lunch recipe! We believe in keeping things fun while driving innovation forward, embracing both brainstorming and birthday celebrations with equal enthusiasm. If you love solving puzzles, sharing ideas, and maybe even nerding out over the latest tech trends, you're going to fit right in!

Parts Town welcomes diversity and as an equal opportunity employer all qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.