Product development manager
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours but may work extra hours
- Usually work in offices and may travel locally and nationally
- Need to be organised, identify and solve problems and lead others
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Identify new product ideas
- Research how people use products
- Research how products work
- Lead teams through product development
- Manage prototype and testing phases
- Improve products to meet customer needs
- Manage budgets
- Work with marketing and sales teams
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations
Outlook
Product development is increasingly shaped by digital technology, changing customer expectations and pressure to reduce environmental impacts. New Zealand businesses are developing products for both local and export markets, often using customer feedback and data to guide decisions. Artificial intelligence, rapid prototyping and more sustainable materials are speeding up some stages of development, while market conditions can affect investment in new products.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Ability to understand customer needs and market opportunities
- Strong planning and project-management skills
- Creative problem-solving and commercial thinking
- Confidence using research, feedback and data to guide decisions
- Clear communication across design, engineering, marketing and sales teams
- Awareness of quality, sustainability and product safety requirements
AUT programmes
- Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences
- Management and Leadership Major - Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.