New Product Introduction (NPI) Manager

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of NPI programs from development through production readiness and post-launch stabilization
• Establish and maintain integrated program plans, milestones, and deliverables aligned to business objectives
• Oversee receiving site phase-gate acceptance, ensuring clear entry/exit criteria and decision-making rigor
• Provide structured program governance with regular status reporting, risk tracking, and escalation management
• Schedule Management:
  • Develop and own the integrated NPI master schedule across all functions
  • Identify critical path activities and proactively manage dependencies and constraints
  • Ensure alignment of R&D timelines with manufacturing readiness and product transfer milestones
  • Drive accountability for on-time delivery and escalate risks to timeline adherence
• Product Requirements & Readiness:
  • Partner with R&D and Quality to ensure completeness of design outputs, documentation, and validation requirements
  • Confirm manufacturing readiness, including process definition, work instructions, and acceptance criteria
  • Drive closure of gaps in product definition prior to launch
• Budget & Financial Management:
  • Track program financial performance and identify cost risks and opportunities
  • Drive cost-efficient product transfer and launch execution
• Resource & Cross-Functional Leadership:
  • Align with cross-functional teams (R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, EHS) to deliver program objectives
  • Identify resource needs and resolve capacity constraints across sites and functions
  • Act as primary liaison between stakeholders to ensure alignment and accountability
• Manufacturing Transfer & Post-Launch Readiness:
  • Ensure complete and successful transfer of products into manufacturing, including all processes, materials, and documentation
  • Oversee production readiness reviews and first-pass yield performance post-launch
  • Drive rapid resolution of issues during initial production ramp
  • Ensure long-term manufacturing stability and scalability
• Risk, Issue & Compliance Management:
  • Ensure compliance with EHS, ISO, and regulatory standards throughout the NPI lifecycle
  • Engage EHS and Quality early to proactively address risks to manufacturing and safety
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Lead improvements to NPI and product transfer processes, including standard work and best practices
  • Implement lessons learned and drive standardization across programs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or related technical discipline (advanced degree preferred)
• 8+ years of experience in NPI, product transfer, or complex manufacturing program management
• Proven experience leading phase-gate product development and launch programs
• Strong understanding of manufacturing readiness, validation, and regulatory environments
• Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional teams and large programs