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Vice President, Product Development

Engineering & Production

The right product can help pass idle time, bring new friends together, rekindle memories amongst old friends, and broaden the imagination of people around the world. If you ever want to see excitement, give a child a new toy (or an adventure junkie a new piece of gear!). If you want to see passion, take away their favorite one. 

Fluid and dynamic, my favorite days shift between topline strategy planning/business development with the management team and working through detailed technical issues with engineers and overseas factories. Every day is different, but the goal remains the same: know the customer,  never compromise the brand, and help bring to market products that fulfill customer needs and surpass expectations.

My hands on experience is spread across a wide range of categories ( toys, apparel, electronics, food and beverage, lifestyle, furniture, homegoods, and automotive OEM parts) and brands (Disney, Chevrolet, Hefty, Goodyear, Torani, Nissan, French's, La-Z-Boy, Maytag, Hefty)

Creative product development leader experienced in China sourcing, engineering, testing, and production leading cross-functional teams and bringing new concepts to  market. Experience includes Fortune 500 and startup companies. Ultra marathoner, trail runner and Ironman triathlete. Looking to make a positive impact and support the outdoor sports world that has given me so much.

Equity Management is a licensing agency focusing on corporate brand management. EMI represents primarily Fortune 500 companies and manages the largest global corporate licensing program.

I currently oversee all product development in brand advancement and brand extension, as well as functions in client and licensee management, potential licensee review, and new business strategy and development.

•	45% time annually spent in Hong Kong and China directing vendors (12) and agents/staff (9)
•	Oversee all aspects of $20MM hardline development including spec creation, sourcing, engineering review, quality testing, and production
•	Create and execute development and production roadmaps for 20+ SKUs simultaneously for initial retail sets
•	Mentor internal development staff and build cohesive development/operations team between Los Angeles, New Jersey, and Hong Kong/China
•	Influence external vendor partners to meet high aesthetic and quality standards, expedited project timelines, and develop a clear understanding of license/brand aesthetic requirements
•	Lead cost and schedule negotiations, product engineering, coordinate product testing, and give production approval
•	Resolve process roadblocks and create workaround solutions to maintain schedules
•	Monitor production capacity vs PO tracking, ensure product availability for DOM/FOB shipments

Director, Product Development

•	Built the foundation for new Development team, mapping process and key milestones, and integrated new group into existing cross-functional teams. Grew to 7 employees.
•	Manage development of the top 3 categories equaling 63% of global company revenue with emphasis on cost negotiations and schedule management 
•	Successfully upgraded design/development team workflow with introduction of SolidWorks 3D software (vs AutoCAD)
•	Championed and implemented $1.5MM packaging cost-savings initiative on existing products
•	Daily communication with international office and vendors in China, including factory visits

Product Manager

•	Project management lead for Girls business unit’s new brand launches (Monster High is now $1B) ensuring products meet development milestones on schedule and under budget
•	Improved standard lead times by 46% through planning and executing new benchmark process for high profile new brand product launch
•	Achieve annual production of 5MM+ units at internal and OEM manufacturing facilities through coordination of development milestones
•	Strengthen relationships with overseas colleagues and vendors in China, Indonesia, and Mexico through daily communication and onsite travel 
•	Supervise and train team of direct reports (2) in new product development

Senior Project Management Associate

•	Business unit’s engineering and development lead for fashion dolls category 
•	Build tool plans for new products with emphasis on part design and material selection ensuring manufacturing feasibility and cost efficiency
•	Coordinate samples for development, line reviews, and trade shows
•	Lead presentations at internal line reviews for executive management and patent attorneys and external meetings for ad agencies and licensing partners.

Senior Product Engineer

•	Manage $110MM P&L achieving margin and product cost targets at the brand and sku levels 
•	Cross functional team expert in building cost estimates for new designs and competitor products including electronics, molded parts and soft goods.
•	US liaison to overseas factories, leading price negotiations and communicating product specs

Cost Engineer

•	Managed P&L to 20% growth surpassing annual financial margin targets for girls toys, writing instruments, and stationery
•	Examined parts and components to ascertain purpose, cost and value by utilizing knowledge of product design and budgetary considerations
•	Developed cost estimates and provide financial analyses for proposed new concepts and existing competing product

Find out detailed information about Steve Lang, Vice President, Product Development in San Diego, CA

Steve Lang: Vice President, Product Development in San Diego, CA

Steve Lang