Product Manager (Hardware Lifecycle & Supply Chain)

The Product Manager is responsible for driving new product development direction and managing the complete product lifecycle. This role combines technical project management with strategic supplier relations. You will be tasked with translating internal business needs into actionable supplier specifications, proactively mitigating component obsolescence risks, and overseeing product compliance and quality assurance. By collaborating closely with engineering, sales, and operations, you will ensure our products meet the highest standards of performance, delivery, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

1. New Product Research & Development Direction

• Identify and evaluate potential ODM/OEM partners to meet defined requirements.

• Gather and clarify product requirements from internal stakeholders (e.g., engineering, sales, operations).

• Translate business and technical requirements into product specifications for supplier evaluation.

• Source and propose suitable products or solutions based on cost, performance, and compliance needs.

• Collaborate with internal teams to refine product requirements and development direction.

2. Product Lifecycle & Risk Management

• Monitor component lifecycle status and identify obsolescence risks.

• Evaluate impact of EOL/PCN notices on product BOMs.

• Lead mitigation actions (e.g., last-time buy, second-source qualification, design updates).

• Manage and release PCNs, including documentation, impact assessment, and stakeholder communication.

3. Project Management & Strategic Planning

• Identify long lead-time components and coordinate planning to mitigate supply risks.

• Review project deliverables to ensure alignment with requirements, specifications, and timelines.

4. External Laboratory & Certification Coordination

• Coordinate with testing laboratories or certification bodies on test requirements and schedules.

• Ensure testing activities align with project timelines and compliance needs.

5. Supplier Management & Quality Assurance

• Assess and review supplier performance annually based on quality, delivery, and compliance.

• Review supplier non-conformance reports, verify root cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and approve closure of corrective actions.

6. Internal Operations

• Coordinate with internal teams and external parties on non-conforming units, including investigation, resolution, and follow-up actions.

Qualifications

Required Professional Experience:

• 3-6 years in Hardware Product Management, Product Engineering, or Strategic Sourcing.

• Proven track record working with OEM/ODM suppliers and cross-functional engineering teams.

• Hands-on experience in component lifecycle management and BOM analysis.

Technical & Functional Skills:

• Ability to translate complex business needs into technical hardware requirements.

• Strong understanding of hardware manufacturing processes and quality control.

• Familiarity with international hardware compliance and certification frameworks.

• Professional proficiency in English (and Japanese is a significant plus for Tokyo-based coordination).

Preferred (Nice-to-Have):

• Experience in the robotics, industrial automation, or high-tech hardware sectors.

• Experience with cost-modeling and supplier contract negotiation.

• Knowledge of regulatory compliance (CE, FCC)