The Vice President – Product Development (Valves & Flow Control) is a strategic executive leader responsible for overseeing the design, innovation, and lifecycle development of valve and flow control solutions across industrial, energy, water, and process markets. This role leads global cross-functional teams to deliver competitive, compliant, and customer-driven products, aligning technical capabilities with business strategy and market demand. The VP ensures robust new product introduction (NPI), technology innovation, and portfolio expansion to drive growth and differentiation.
Develop and implement the global product development roadmap for valves, actuators, and flow control systems.
Align product strategy with business objectives, market trends, and customer needs in collaboration with marketing, sales, and operations.
Oversee all phases of product development — from concept and feasibility through design, prototyping, testing, certification, and launch.
Champion R&D efforts focused on advanced valve designs, flow dynamics, automation technologies, and smart flow control systems (e.g., IIoT-enabled valves).
Drive competitive benchmarking, value engineering, and modular platform strategies to enhance product scalability and cost efficiency.
Foster a culture of technical innovation and IP development within the product development function.
Lead cross-functional development teams including engineering, testing, quality, sourcing, and manufacturing engineering.
Implement and improve stage-gate processes, design controls, and engineering governance for NPI and product updates.
Ensure DFM/DFA alignment and strong handoff from design to production across global sites.
Ensure products meet global certification and compliance requirements (API, ASME, ISO, CE, SIL, PED, ATEX, etc.).
Promote sustainability and ESG goals through product materials, energy efficiency, and lifecycle design.
Partner with quality and reliability teams to embed robust validation, test protocols, and customer feedback loops.
Build and lead a high-performing global product development organization.
Mentor engineering managers and technical leads, and promote talent development and succession planning.
Drive alignment across R&D, engineering, marketing, and manufacturing through effective communication and collaboration.
Strategic product roadmap and portfolio management for valves & flow control
Technology leadership in flow control, valve actuation, and digital integration
Cross-functional NPI execution and lifecycle management
Compliance with industry and customer specifications across global markets
Talent development and global team leadership
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (required)
Master’s degree in Engineering, Product Management, or MBA (preferred)
PMP, PE, or Six Sigma certification is a plus
Familiarity with regulatory and performance standards: API 6D, ASME B16.34, ISO 9001/14001, CE, PED, etc.
15+ years of experience in product development within the valves, actuators, or flow control industry
7+ years in an executive or senior leadership role managing global teams and complex programs
Demonstrated success launching new products and expanding product portfolios in industrial or process markets
Deep understanding of valve/flow control technologies and market applications
Strategic thinking with strong program and portfolio management skills
Cross-functional leadership and matrixed team management
Financial and business acumen in evaluating ROI, pricing, and lifecycle costs
Exceptional communication, influencing, and decision-making capabilities