Leatherman Tool Group Selects New Senior Director of Product

180one recently partnered with Leatherman to help them identify and select a new Senior Director of Product Development.  Check back soon for more details!


About the Company


We invented our category, and we make what we sell. We employ over 550 people in Portland, OR where we are headquartered, and where we also manufacture, package, and ship all our products from. We buy steel from Ohio, bring it to the east end of our building, and then ship our tools to 80 countries around the world, from the west end of our building.


We create products that prepare you for the expected and the unexpected and unlock your potential to empower you to be part of your own epic tale of triumph. We facilitate epic tales of triumph not only through our products, but also through resulting relationships, careers, community, and social responsibility – environment, fair trade, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.


LTG Guiding principles:

  1. Dominate multi-tools (in product excellence and revenue)
  2. Make what we sell (in Portland, OR)
  3. Privately held – in the Leatherman family (debt free)
  4. A great place to work for committed employees


Leatherman’s Manifesto: We believe we are here to empower people for whatever life throws their way. Regardless of who you are, we believe that with the right tools in hand, anyone can achieve greatness. We believe we can make significant contributions to the world through innovation, so we value perseverance in our work and ingenious design in our products. We believe in growing and supporting our most valuable asset – our employees. That’s why we believe in integrity and authentic collaboration, which instills trust in one another and allows us to create global solutions that our competitors cannot copy. We believe in self-honesty and humility, which fuels change and growth from our failures.


And when we reflect these values, we believe we’re building a thriving culture that celebrates diversity promoted personal and professional growth, develops respect for one another, and cultivates a community that can solve any problem.


About the Opportunity

In direct support of LTG growth goals the organization has added a new role, Senior Director of Product, reporting directly into the CEO and a participant on the organization’s senior leadership team. In addition to standing up a new internal strategic product function, this position will be responsible for the design, implementation, and leadership of comprehensive product line strategies for targeted industries, including identification of opportunities, market needs, product roadmap, product solutions, market potential and sales potential.


This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is energized by:


  • Articulating opportunities and insights that we can act on gathered through research, consumer testing and observations. 
  • Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders and subject matter experts for opportunity identification, definition, and prioritization.
  • Serving as the global expert of targeted industries, maintaining current knowledge of Leatherman’s consumers, markets, and competition.
  • Leading innovation that is both relevant to and supportive of our brand values.
  • Developing strategies for product, pricing, market entry, and management of products in the NPD Process from Strategy through Post-Launch evaluation to meet corporate objectives for revenue, profit, and brand.


This new addition represents a critical investment in LTG’s strategic growth plan. Come make an impact with a premium brand, category inventor and dominate leader.


Essential Functions

It is essential for all employees to adhere to Company policies.

  • Applies business acumen to maximize the units sold, revenue and profit from our existing categories while supporting our brand values.
  • Identifies and prioritizes consumers segments that we should target for new products.
  • Identifies consumer needs that are valuable and relevant and feasible to address with our resources.
  • Articulates consumer needs in a way that enables our design, engineering, and manufacturing teams to be able to innovate solutions.
  • Develop and lead the product line strategy for targeted industries including price positioning and product development in market segments and channels.
  • Successfully implement product plans to achieve industry objectives and strategies.
  • Develop and implement market segmentation strategies and plans.
  • Lead the process for product ideation and opportunity identification.
  • Works with cross-functional colleagues to anticipate and resolve priority challenges
  • Lead the process for updating industry, channel, market data and trends.
  • Develop preliminary budgets (at NPD milestones) for product plans including development resources.
  • Evaluate product recommendation from existing and potential customer for product feasibility. 
  • Develop strategies to improve product position domestically and in global markets.
  • Create pricing strategies to support targeted channels.
  • Lead the Voice of Customer and Voice of Channel Partner process.
  • Own the product life cycle and execute exit strategies.
  • Develop and implement processes to assess and develop packaging that satisfies customer needs and corporate packaging strategies.
  • Lead cross functional team(s) to develop channel and key customer promotions.
  • Development of new product budget: including capital expenditures, marketing and sales expenditures required to execute product launch.
  • Participate in the creation and adherence to the department budget.
  • Leads, hires, and manages a team of professionals. This includes supervision, individual and team performance, and mentoring to ensure effective execution of individual and team responsibilities
  • Participates as a member of the LTG senior leadership team.


Competencies

  • Strategic thinking engagement, involvement, and alignment. Defining how the role fits in and influences a positive business outcome.
  • Builds trust, able to tie in and gain support at all levels, sees what is happening and accurately predicts and articulates what will happen. Teaches. Possesses curiosity and optimism. Respectful.
  • Customer focus, creates value, present and always engaged
  • Collaborates and provides leadership among our sr. leaders, a resource to accomplishing goals for company, team and individuals.
  • Business acumen, ability to connect the decisions they make and tangible outcomes that support our Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles, and strategy.
  • Confident & accountable for self, team to which they lead and belong. Articulate and able to inspire excitement and lead people to a vision.
  • Passionate, skilled, and experienced in the role. 
  • Attracts top talent – Attracting and selecting the best talent to meet current and future business needs.
  • Builds effective teams – Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
  • Cultivates innovation – Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
  • Decision quality – Make good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
  • Drives vision and purpose – Painting a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action.
  • Ensures accountability – Hold self and others accountable to meet commitments.
  • Global perspective – Taking a broad view when approaching issues, using a global lens.


Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s Degree required. MBA with marketing focus or related experience preferred.
  • Ten or more years of progressively responsible product marketing and project management experience preferred.
  • Strong track record of leadership and the ability to attract, develop and retain talent
  • High level of analytical thinking with demonstrated talent for identifying, scrutinizing, improving, and streamlining work processes
  • Flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple concurrent projects
  • Ability to build collaborative partnerships cross-functionally
  • Ability to deal with ambiguity and be comfortable in a situation that is not always well defined or changes frequently
  • Good communication skills, a professional attitude, and enthusiasm for one’s work are all prerequisites for this position.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to speak and communicate effectively.
  • Work independently and possess a high level of self-motivation and initiative.


Leatherman Tool Group Inc. believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the individual nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.


Interested in learning more? 180one is a retained search firm engaged by Leatherman to conduct this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Tom Haley at 180one at: tom@180one.com.

By Catherine Landgraf February 19, 2025
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ABOUT SKUTT Based in Portland, Oregon, Skutt is the leading manufacturer of kilns and pottery wheels in North America. With the help of over 85 employees, Skutt is committed to building the highest quality products serving schools, hobby and production potters. Skutt ensures the highest level of product quality by investing in its people, equipment and lean manufacturing processes. Skutt firmly believes that happy employees translate into happy customers. Many of Skutt’s team members have been with the company for over 10 years. The equipment used to make heating elements, transform bricks, and build controllers leads the industry in innovation and performance. Skutt knows that great equipment translates into fewer problems and happy customers. Skutt is always striving to give customers more value and better quality which is why all team members (office and plant) have been trained in lean manufacturing practices. Skutt is a family-owned business but is transitioning the leadership of the company to professional executives. Based on this, Skutt is looking for a CEO to continue the legacy in its next chapter of success. HISTORY In 1953 father/son team, Ralph and Neil Skutt, manufactured the industry’s first multi-sided hobby kiln in Olympia, Washington under the name “Skutt & Son”. The introduction of this new lightweight design revolutionized not just the ceramic kiln business but the whole ceramic industry by bringing ceramics to the home. A lot has changed over the last 70+ years. Kiln companies have come and gone, new clay bodies and glazes are constantly being developed that demand greater firing precision, and automatic controllers are quickly replacing the once cutting edge KilnSitter. Throughout the years, Skutt has continued to work hard to meet the changing needs of its customers, but one thing that has remained constant is their fierce dedication to manufacturing quality products and providing outstanding customer service. THE OPPORTUNITY Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic initiatives, driving operational excellence, and fostering a culture of human development, collaboration, and respect. This role will manage the long-term success of the Company and will work closely with the Board of Directors, senior management team, and external stakeholders to ensure the company’s continued success and profitability. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Assist in the development of, and then execute, the company’s vision, mission, and strategic business plan. Collaborate with the Board of Directors to align company goals and strategies. Inspire, mentor, and lead the senior management team and employee team members. Establish long-term goals to maintain Skutt’s position as a market leader. Identify opportunities for alliances, mergers, partnerships, and investment opportunities. Monitor financial performance and implement strategies to achieve revenue and profitability targets. Expand the company’s market share through targeted sales and marketing initiatives. Build strong relationships with customers, distributors, and industry partners. Represent the company at industry events and conferences. Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance workplace culture. Champion professional development and retention initiatives. Manage risks effectively and maintain a strong reputation for integrity. Oversee daily operations and ensure efficiency and effectiveness across all departments. Ensure optimized manufacturing processes and supply chain management to meet quality and delivery standards. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, and company policies, procedures, and compliance programs. Work with marketing teams on SKUTT branding, advertising, and marketing campaigns. Maintain knowledge of trends, developments, new technologies, and market conditions relevant to the division and industry. Work with customers/distributors and sales teams on contracts, actively assisting with negotiations. Provide constructive and timely performance evaluations. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES COMMUNICATION: Effectively convey information and ideas through written, verbal, and non-verbal means. RELATIONSHIP BUILDING: Establish and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders. PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION: Develop and implement plans, set priorities, and manage resources to achieve goals. RISK MANAGEMENT: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks to the organization. ANALYTICAL: Analyze data, information, and assess situations to make informed decisions or recommendations. INDUSTRY TRENDS: Build awareness and stay current on emerging trends, products, technologies, and best practices in the industry. STRATEGIC: Analyze the business and make decisions to drive long-term goals and objectives. BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE: Collect, analyze, and interpret data to provide actionable insights for business decision making. CONFLICT MANAGEMENT: Identify, address, and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner to achieve positive outcomes. DELEGATION: Assign tasks and responsibilities to others and hold them accountable for their performance. QUALIFICATIONS 10+ years of related experience in senior level leadership roles. Previous experience in product or manufacturing companies is preferred. Strong team leader and organizational skills with the added ability to take initiative. Highly organized, accurate, detail and multi-task oriented. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Bachelor’s degree is required. Master’s degree is preferred. Interested in Learning More? 180one has been retained by Skutt Ceramic Products to conduct this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Rochelle Fleischer at rochelle@180one.com / 503.699.0184
By Catherine Landgraf February 13, 2025
Vice President of People Services ABOUT THE COMPANY Every Decision. Every Detail. Every Day. Locally owned since 1886, Lease Crutcher Lewis is a commercial construction company committed to making a positive impact for their clients and the community they build in. At Lewis, where every employee is an owner, their people are empowered to make decisions – big and small – to meet the goals of their clients. They understand that in construction even the smallest of details affect the integrity of the work and the safety of their sites. That’s why their teams are tenacious when it comes to getting it right, day in and day out, to deliver quality buildings that stand the test of time. With personal fulfillment as one of their six core values, Lewis has a collaborative and supportive culture committed to the success and development of their people. A few notable projects which highlight their expertise in delivering high-quality, innovative projects for their clients include: The Rainier Square Tower in downtown Seattle; the Oregon Zoo Elephant Lands and the Cedarbrook Lodge . ABOUT THE ROLE The VP of People Services will serve as a strategic partner to the executive team, aligning people strategies with organizational goals to drive growth, innovation, and cultural excellence. This role will lead the charge in creating a supportive, inclusive and collaborative workplace across all levels of the organization. With a focus on scaling talent acquisition, retention, and development programs, the VP of People Services will leverage data-driven insights and innovative approaches to enhance workforce planning, performance management, and overall organizational health. In addition to driving strategic priorities, this role will act as a trusted coach and mentor, empowering the People Services team to support employees and leaders effectively. They will prioritize people over processes, ensuring a culture that values empathy, authenticity, and connection. This role requires a visionary leader who can navigate the complexities of a multi-state and unionized environment while designing actionable solutions to HR challenges and continuously adapting to evolving business needs. PRIMARY FUNCTIONS & ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership : Serve as a key advisor to the CEO and executive leadership, aligning people strategies with organizational goals and fostering a culture of performance and inclusion. Align People Strategies: Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and implement People Services and Learning and Development strategies that support business objectives, drive growth, and enhance organizational effectiveness. Foster Inclusive Culture: Champion inclusion initiatives to create a workplace where all employees feel valued, engaged, and empowered to perform at their best. Support Decision-Making: Provide data-driven insights and recommendations on workforce trends, talent acquisition, compensation, and retention to inform strategic planning and executive decision-making. Drive Performance Excellence: Partner with leadership to design and execute initiatives that build leadership capacity, enhance team performance, and cultivate a culture of accountability and innovation. Utilize the Lewis Leadership Development Program’s (5) Pillars and corresponding competencies as guidelines. Performance and Talent Management : Develop and oversee the implementation and execution of an evolved performance management process. Further integrate learning and development programs to create a wholistic approach to talent management. Enhance Performance Processes: Develop and manage performance management systems that align individual and team goals with organizational priorities, ensuring continuous improvement and accountability. Integrate Learning and Development: Implement strategies to seamlessly connect performance management with learning and development programs, fostering a comprehensive and continuous approach to talent growth and retention. Support CEO in the ongoing development and implementation of the Lewis Leadership Development Program (LLDP). Support Leadership Development: Support the identification and cultivation of high-potential talent through targeted learning and development and succession planning programs. Utilize Data-Driven Insights: Leverage performance metrics and feedback to refine learning and development programs, address skill gaps, and drive organizational excellence. Employee Engagement: Develop and implement employee engagement strategies to reinforce Lewis’ Purpose, Values and Culture. Consult on elements of effective communication (w/ VP of MarComm), recognition programs (w/ CEO), and opportunities for growth and connection (w/ Department & Operations Leaders) to enhance employee satisfaction, and drive engagement. Reinforce Purpose and Values: Develop engagement initiatives that align with Lewis’ Purpose, Values, and Culture, fostering a sense of belonging and shared mission among employees. Drive Employee Satisfaction: Implement programs to enhance satisfaction and morale through effective communication, meaningful recognition, and responsive leadership. Foster Connection and Growth: Create opportunities for employees to build relationships, develop professionally, and contribute to organizational success through tailored engagement strategies. Measure and Improve Engagement: Utilize surveys, feedback tools, and data analysis to monitor engagement levels and refine strategies to address evolving workforce needs. Total Rewards and Compliance : Ensure Lewis provides competitive compensation and benefits programs, maintains compliance with employment laws, and promote an equitable and inclusive workplace. Administer Competitive Rewards: Design and manage compensation and benefits programs and systems to attract, retain, and motivate top talent while aligning with market benchmarks. Ensure Legal Compliance: Monitor and enforce compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, ensuring HR practices meet regulatory standards. Navigate Complex Union Agreements: Collaborate with leadership to address significant employment matters related to multi-geography operations and other scenarios not covered by existing union agreements, ensuring compliance and alignment with organizational goals. Promote Equity: Develop policies and programs that foster pay equity and transparency across all levels of the organization. Evaluate and Adapt Programs: Regularly assess the effectiveness of total rewards offerings, leveraging employee feedback and market data to make improvements that align with Lewis' goals and values. Department Leadership Attracts, develops, and retains a professional, high-performing People Services team in alignment with Lewis current needs and future strategic plan. Provides leadership and management direction; cultivate strong collaboration and teamwork within the team; ensure high performance through skill development, formal and informal coaching, growth assignments, and performance feedback. Provides guidance and support to ensure team develops and manages effective cross-functional relationships in a multi-stakeholder environment. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required. Minimum 15 years of HR experience, and minimum of five years of leading HR teams. Ability to lead a functional group to high-performance; ability to think strategically and operationalize the strategy into the daily tactics of the organization. Strong strategic planning, problem solving, and client orientation skills combined with a proven record of leading change in an ambiguous and complex environment. Consultative and analytical mindset, with the ability to influence leaders and achieve results, including in areas without direct responsibility. Ability to provide quantitative and qualitative data/analysis to drive decision-making; excellent stakeholder and program/project management experience. Strong comfort with technology and proven ability to implement modern People Services and Learning technologies and solutions. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with, and influence, all levels of management and employees; ability to engender trust and respect of employees at all levels. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; highly organized, self-starter; and demonstrates good judgment in protecting confidential information and uses discretion in discussing sensitive issues. Good negotiation, communication and conflict-resolution skills; ability to represent Lewis in negotiations with external agencies, vendors and partners. Interested in Learning More? 180one is a retained search firm and has been engaged by Lease Crutcher Lewis to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Tom Haley /503.334.1350/ tom@180one.com
By Catherine Landgraf February 7, 2025
180one is pleased to announce our recent partnership with Columbia Distributing and the resulting placement of their new Chief People Officer! In 2008, Columbia Distributing, Mt. Hood Beverage, and Gold River Distributing united to form Columbia Distributing as we know it today. With this merger and the 2018 acquisitions of Marine View Beverage and General Distributors, Inc., our company is now one of the Top 5 largest beer/wine distributors in the US. Size is not our only distinction, however, as Columbia Distributing boasts an extensive selection of beverages, including craft beer, wine and spirits. Columbia Distributing’s success lies in the teamwork of the roughly 3,000 employees spread throughout 27 locations in Oregon and Washington, who every day come together to execute on a common vision. Congratulations to Jewett Cameron Company, and the 180one Search Team on a successful executive placement!
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