Job Title

New Product Introduction (NPI) and Operations Program Manager We are seeking a dynamic and experienced New Product Introduction (NPI) and Operations Program Manager to lead and manage the end-to-end process of introducing new products in a contract manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in coordinating cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality, production, and supply chain, to ensure seamless product launches, from pilot/engineering builds to mass production release or Ready to Ship (RTS). Responsibilities New Product Introduction: Lead the NPI & manufacturing process readiness with our designated CM, working closely with engineering and supply chain teams to ensure smooth product design release and transitions into full-scale production. Develop and manage product pilot builds timelines, ensuring on-time delivery of products to our internal (or external) customers such as Engineering, Reliability, etc. Oversee product lifecycle from prototype to production, ensuring all milestones are met and quality standards are maintained. Support supply chain management needs along with CMs “best in class” procedures. Contract Manufacturing Management: Manage relationships with contract manufacturers (CMs) to ensure that product designs are manufacturable, scalable, and cost-effective. Monitor and ensure adherence to contractual agreements, including quality, timelines, and cost targets. Support supply chain management with any contractual and/or inventory topics. Engineering/Quality and Production: Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve design-related issues and ensure product manufacturability. Facilitate production readiness, including tooling, process validation, and pilot runs, to ensure smooth ramp-up to full-scale production. Oversee NPI build schedules, capacity planning, and resource allocation to meet project deadlines. Supply Chain Management: Work with supply chain teams to ensure timely availability of materials, components, and finished goods for production. Coordinate logistics, inventory management, and demand forecasting to ensure efficient supply chain operations. Manage and mitigate supply chain risks, such as component shortages, production delays, or quality issues. Cross-functional Collaboration: Serve as the main point of contact between engineering, production, supply chain, and contract manufacturers, ensuring clear communication and alignment. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and improve product quality. Reporting & Documentation: Provide regular updates to Core Team and management on project and build status progress & risks. Ensure all product development and manufacturing processes are documented in accordance with company standards. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred). 5+ years of experience in new product introduction (NPI), preferably in a contract manufacturing environment. Proven experience managing product development from concept through mass production, including working with cross-functional teams such as engineering, production, and supply chain. Strong knowledge of contract manufacturing processes, including vendor selection, relationship management, and performance monitoring. Experience with production processes, quality assurance, and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma). Strong understanding of supply chain management, including logistics, inventory management, and demand forecasting. Solid project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications Experience with global contract manufacturers and managing international supply chains. Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana). Experience with Product Data Management software such as Arena (preferred), Agile, Windchill, etc. Familiarity with compliance standards such as ISO, CE, UL, or similar industry certifications. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle complex and high-pressure situations. Advanced Excel skills (Pivot tables, summary tables, charts, and VLOOKUP). Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Full-time Job function Engineering and Information Technology Industries Electric Power Generation We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr