Product Line Manager Hard Armor

Summary: The Hard Armor Product Line Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle management of the hard armor product portfolio, including ballistic plates, shields, and related protective systems. This role blends strategic planning with tactical execution to define product strategy, drive development, and ensure commercial success. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of NIJ standards, defense industry trends, and user requirements within military, law enforcement, and security sectors. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of the personal protection and body armor industry, outstanding cross-functional leadership, and the ability to balance technical, customer, and business requirements. This position plays a key role in driving innovation, ensuring product quality, overseeing production processes, and delivering on both customer expectations and business goals.

Key Responsibilities

Product Lifecycle & Strategic Management

• Oversee the full product lifecycle from concept to end-of-life for hard armor lines.
• Define and execute product strategies that align with customer needs, market demands, and organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with R&D, Sales, Marketing, and Engineering to develop and refine product roadmaps.
• Maintain deep knowledge of industry standards (e.g., NIJ) and ensure compliance across all products.

Production Oversight & Process Management

• Engage in both pre-production (planning) and production (control and supervision) stages.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to ensure efficient, high-quality production output.
• Address real-time production issues and bottlenecks, making rapid decisions to minimize downtime and meet delivery goals.
• Ensure that customer orders are completed on time, within budget, and meet or exceed quality standards.

Cross-functional Coordination

• Liaise between Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, and Customer Support to align strategy and execution.
• Communicate production goals, changes, and process improvements clearly across teams.
• Support the integration of customer feedback into continuous product and process improvements.

Performance Analysis & Reporting

• Collect, analyze, and report on production and performance data.
• Deliver insights and updates to factory leadership and customers to ensure transparency and alignment.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process enhancements to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality.

Process Improvement & Innovation

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen.
• Identify and execute on opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
• Ensure that all production strategies align with broader company policies, operational goals, and compliance requirements.

Competencies

• Product Lifecycle Management: Oversee the full lifecycle of bulletproof vest products, from concept and development through production, launch, and ongoing support.
• Market Research: Conduct market analysis to understand customer needs, industry trends, and competitor activities, and use insights to shape product strategies.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and customer support teams to align product development and delivery goals.
• Customer Focus: Engage with law enforcement and military stakeholders to gather feedback, understand operational challenges, and ensure products meet end-user needs.
• Operational Oversight: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to establish process flows, production timelines, and capacity plans. Provide support to address production bottlenecks and maintain efficiency.
• Compliance and Standards: Ensure all products comply with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory standards, working closely with quality assurance and compliance teams.
• Data Analysis: Track product performance metrics, customer satisfaction, and market trends, and use data to guide product improvements and innovation.
• Decision-Making: Make informed decisions regarding product features, enhancements, trade-offs, and resource allocation to maximize product value and profitability.
• Cost Management: Work with finance and manufacturing teams to ensure products are developed and produced within budget while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Product Launch: Drive go-to-market strategies, ensuring successful product launches in collaboration with marketing and sales teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field; MBA or equivalent is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in product management, manufacturing operations, or production leadership—preferably within the personal protection/body armor industry.
• Experience working with law enforcement or military stakeholders is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of NIJ standards and body armor materials and production processes.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams, develop strategic product plans, and drive performance metrics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in data-driven decision-making.
• Familiarity with ERP/PLM systems and continuous improvement tools (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).
• Legal Requirement: Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) to comply with federal contracting regulations. Must be a US person as defined by ITAR.
• Language Proficiency: All candidates must be fluent in English, with the ability to speak, read, and write at a professional level.