Product Leader

Hardt is a food-service equipment manufacturer located in the west-end of Montreal. This long-established, privately-owned organization has been consistently profitable and is planning for future growth. The Organization’s values are reflected in its operating principles: communicate actively; voice and seek to resolve concerns; work cooperatively and respectfully and strive for improvements continuously.

Hardt provides solutions to the supermarket and warehouse club industry and is the exclusive supplier of rotisseries and heated display cases to over 90% of the warehouse clubs in the US. The Company is actively customer-driven as indicated by its mission to provide “Responsive, Reliable Solutions.” Hardt is presently seeking a:

ROLE

The Product Leader ensures the reliability, evolution, and continuous improvement of Hardt’s existing product lines. The role focuses on three main areas: managing the lifecycle of current products by monitoring reliability issues and driving corrective actions through the ECO process; leading product modifications and improvement requests by analyzing business impact, setting timelines, allocating resources, and coordinating full implementation; and supporting field trials and pre-production installations while taking ownership of reliability monitoring once equipment is deployed. In all activities, the Product Leader applies structured project management skills to define scope, schedules, and resources, while maintaining a cost-conscious mindset that seeks opportunities to simplify designs, reduce parts, and lower costs without compromising quality. This is not a supervisory role, but a technical leadership position reporting to the Product Management Supervisor.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES

Product Lifecycle Management & Improvement

• Monitor and analyze reliability issues of existing product lines to identify root causes and trends.
• Manage corrective actions through the ECO process, delivering both short-term mitigation and long-term permanent solutions, with validation and proper handover into production.
• Maintain dashboards tracking reliability, warranty, and lifecycle performance, escalating to the Supervisor as required.
• Document and support SR&ED activities for assigned products.
• Act as Project Leader when variations of existing products evolve into product line extensions. Such will be done through the NPI process. Such involves managing product requirements, feasibility study, scope definition, schedules, costing, communication, workload and resource alignment, test plan, actions, deliverables, ensuring risks are identified and mitigated.

Product Modifications & Improvement Requests

• Capture and assess all product improvement requests (design changes, cost reduction, simplification, or performance improvements) through the ECO process.
• Lead cross-functional discussions and root cause analysis to evaluate business impact.
• Evaluate whether proposed changes should be prioritized or deferred, recognizing that not all requests require action.
• For initiatives that are prioritized, ensure they are assigned clear timelines and deliverables, and lead the full implementation, coordinating technical, manufacturing, and cross-departmental activities until completion.
• Apply structured project management skills to accurately assess required resources and timelines, prepare schedules, and monitor progress.
• Lead full implementation of approved initiatives, ensuring modifications are validated, documented, and handed over to production.

Product Use & Consulting Support

• Support field trials and pre-production installations to validate equipment before full release.
• Once in the field, take responsibility for monitoring product reliability and gathering performance data.
• Define and execute test procedures with the R&D lab, and support the creation of test reports.
• Collaborate with Service, Quality, and Manufacturing to capture and integrate field insights and test results into product improvements.
• Act as a technical resource to Sales, Service, and other stakeholders for requests or questions related to the existing product line.
• Apply Lean, 5S, and structured problem-solving to product-related activities.
• REPORTING STRUCTURE
• Reports to: Product Management Supervisor
• Direct Reports: N/A

EDUCATION, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering discipline.
• Licensed member in good standing with the *Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ)* strongly preferred; candidates actively pursuing membership may be considered.
• Valid Class 5 (Québec) or equivalent driver’s license.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Experience: Minimum of 8 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, including 5 years of experience leading product development, lifecycle management, or continuous improvement projects.

2. Languages: The ability to communicate fluently in French is mandatory, both verbally and in writing, to ensure clear collaboration across all departments. Bilingual proficiency in French and English is highly preferred, as the role frequently interacts with suppliers and customers outside Québec, the majority of whom operate in English.

3. Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, MS Project).
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks required; AutoCAD an asset).
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, 3D models, and manufacturing specifications.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (Epicor preferred) for BOMs, routings, and process documentation.
• Exceptional organizational and project management abilities, with the discipline to define scope, set timelines, and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, able to engage effectively with cross-functional teams and translate technical concepts clearly.
• Analytical and cost-conscious problem solver, balancing technical solutions with manufacturability, serviceability, and long-term reliability.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills, with knowledge of Lean, DFMEA, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Clear and concise communicator able to lead (and generate quality documentation for) meetings with various teams, and with Hardt management.
• High attention to detail when testing, documenting, or inspecting parts/products.
• Solid understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, with the ability to troubleshoot with minimal guidance.
• Strong technical writing skills for producing manuals, procedures, and training materials.
• Knowledge of certification standards (UL, CSA, NSF) considered an asset.
• MENTAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Strength Guidelines: Light to moderate lifting (up to 25 lbs) of tools, prototypes, or components as required during testing or validation.

2. Motion Parameters: The position requires alternating between desk work and hands-on testing, including standing, walking, bending, and handling tools or equipment. Occasional assembly or disassembly of parts may be required for testing or troubleshooting. Workstations, tools, and equipment must be adjusted for ergonomic use, with attention to posture and repetitive motions.

3. Vision and Hearing Requirements: The role requires visual acuity to interpret technical drawings, review data, and inspect components, as well as hearing ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, follow safety instructions, and participate in lab or production environments.

4. Psychological Demands: The position requires high attention to detail, strong problem-solving under tight deadlines, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Must be adaptable to evolving technologies, capable of interpreting technical data, and maintain a collaborative, organized approach in a project leadership capacity.

WORKING ARRANGEMENT & TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS

• Typical schedule: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week, occasional overtime.
• Primary Work Location: 1400, 50e Avenue, Lachine, Québec, H8T 2V3.
• Hybrid (Privilege): This role is based on a 3 full days in-office and 2 days from home schedule. The ability to work remotely is offered as a company-provided benefit to support work-life balance; however, this benefit is not guaranteed and may be modified or withdrawn at the company’s discretion based on business needs.
• Travel Requirement: 0%

Hardt is a food-service equipment manufacturer located in the west-end of Montreal. This long-established, privately-owned organization has been consistently profitable and is planning for future growth. The Organization’s values are reflected in its operating principles: communicate actively; voice and seek to resolve concerns; work cooperatively and respectfully and strive for improvements continuously.