Product Director

About Motivo

Motivo is a project-led company focused on mechanical and electrical system design as well as prototype development. The team has a track record of turning concepts into working finished solutions. Its work covers mobility and automotive, aerospace, robotics, and clean energy, among other sectors. Employees can expect varied, technically demanding work that creates strong opportunities to grow professionally. The company values solving difficult engineering problems, delivering excellent results within unique project constraints, and enjoying the process along the way.

About the Role

Motivo is hiring a Product Director to oversee a portfolio of complex engineering and product development programs. This leader will manage direct-report Project and Product Managers, guide creative solution delivery, strengthen long-term client relationships, and support business growth. As part of the leadership group, the role also helps improve Motivo’s people practices, workflows, and tools. The ideal candidate is comfortable building in uncertain environments and turning broad ideas into practical, client-ready outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

This role combines client leadership, team management, and oversight of project and product execution.

• Serve as the senior escalation contact across engagements and help ensure an excellent client experience.
• Shape account strategy by using market trends and client input to plan long-term portfolio direction.
• Work with Business Development to bring in new clients and help close major follow-on work.
• Lead, coach, and support a team of 3 to 6 project and product managers, including staffing and assignment decisions.
• Set expectations, identify capability gaps, support growth plans, and address performance issues early.
• Improve and scale PM processes, documentation, and cross-functional tools to drive operational effectiveness.
• Promote internal collaboration and represent Motivo externally through community and nonprofit connections.
• Oversee planning complexity, review PM estimates, and help build recovery plans for significant overruns or deviations.
• Support reporting practices that maintain stakeholder confidence and strengthen client engagement.
• Review and approve change orders and PM contracts while helping refine governance templates.
• Balance workload across the PM team and partner with HR when resource constraints arise.
• Coach Product Managers on early-stage roadmapping, feature definition, and clear client communication.

Qualifications

Applicants should bring senior-level experience, strong client skills, and the ability to build scalable operating systems.

• At least 8 years of progressive leadership experience in engineering, design, NPI, or product development.
• A strong record of managing senior stakeholders, handling executive escalations, and delivering high-quality client experiences.
• Experience building, mentoring, and leading effective teams while shaping culture and resolving personnel challenges.
• Ability to formalize and scale systems, processes, and governance structures.
• Commercial experience with major follow-on negotiations, scope control, and portfolio profitability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to bridge technical teams, executives, and internal leadership.
• Capacity to travel domestically up to 20% of the time.

Preferred Background

• Experience in complex hardware industries such as automotive, aerospace, robotics, autonomous systems, or energy.
• Familiarity with engineering workflows, product lifecycles, and the demands of NPI.
• PMP certification, an MBA, or comparable exposure to business cases and startup economics.
• Interest in using Gen AI tools to improve team efficiency.
• US citizenship or permanent residency because the work touches export-controlled industries.

Who This Role Suits

This opportunity may appeal to a product leader from a startup who has already shipped complex hardware and now wants to apply that experience in a more structured, repeatable environment. It may also fit an engineering or operations leader from a larger organization who wants faster-moving work and more creativity, or a consultant seeking a healthier long-term setting. The ideal person is a builder who can work through ambiguity and enjoys mentoring others.

Benefits

Motivo offers a benefits package that includes high-quality insurance, a 401(k) match, generous vacation time, and a Monday through Thursday 4/10 schedule. Employees are also eligible for profit-sharing bonuses tied to overall company performance. The company shares financial information openly and rewards employees when collective efforts contribute to business success.

Compensation

The base salary range for this position is $140,000 to $160,000 per year. Pay is determined by experience, knowledge, and interview performance.