Manager - New Product Development

Manager/Deputy Manager (New Product Development)

Department: Engineering / NPD
Reports To: AGM – New Product Development
Industry: Tier-II Automotive Components Manufacturer
Location: Taloja/Pune

1. Role Purpose

To lead and execute end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) activities—from customer requirement analysis to PPAP submission—ensuring timely development, manufacturing readiness, cost competitiveness, and compliance with automotive quality standards (IATF 16949).

The role ensures seamless coordination with cross-functional teams to launch new components successfully.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. New Product Development Execution

● Lead the entire product development lifecycle (RFQ → Prototype → Pilot → SOP).

● Evaluate customer drawings, specifications, and technical requirements for feasibility.

● Prepare and review DFMEA, PFMEA, control plans, and process flow diagrams.

● Drive tooling development, fixture design, and gauge development with the tool room/vendors.

● Plan and supervise prototype development, testing, and validation activities.

● Ensure compliance with APQP/PPAP requirements (Level 3 or as required by OEM).

● Drive DVP, dimensional reports, capability studies, and material/functional tests.

B. Customer Interaction & Program Management

● Serve as key technical interface for OEM/Tier-1 customer engineering teams.

● Coordinate customer reviews, sample approvals, document submissions, and engineering changes (ECN).

● Ensure RFQ costing inputs (materials, process, tooling, cycle times) are accurate and realistic.

● Maintain development timelines through structured project tracking (Gantt/PERT).

C. Cross-Functional Coordination

● Work closely with Production, Quality, Purchase, Tool Room, and SCM for project readiness.

● Ensure raw materials, bought-out items, tooling, and gauges are arranged on time.

● Conduct design and process reviews with CFT at critical milestones.

D. Quality & Compliance

● Ensure adherence to IATF 16949, APQP/PPAP procedures, and customer-specific requirements (CSR).

● Lead problem-solving for development-stage issues using 8D, RCA, and why-why analysis.

● Ensure all documentation is audit-ready and updated.

E. Costing & Value Engineering

● Develop cost sheets based on process routes, cycle time, and tooling cost.

● Identify opportunities in VA/VE, material substitution, and process optimization.

● Support AGM–NPD in generating competitive and accurate technical cost proposals.

F. Team Leadership & Reporting

● Guide engineers/assistants in executing day-to-day development tasks.

● Present development dashboards to AGM–NPD and management.

● Ensure disciplined documentation, project status updates, and adherence to milestones.

3. Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

● Strong understanding of automotive component design & manufacturing (e.g., stampings, machined parts, fasteners, plastics, casting/forging depending on your product line).

● Proficiency in GD&T, drawing interpretation, and tolerancing.

● Exposure to CAD tools (SolidWorks / CATIA / AutoCAD).

● Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, MSA, SPC, FMEA, and Control Plans.

● Understanding of machining, forming, welding, trimming, plating, and heat treatment (as applicable).

Behavioural Skills

● Strong project management capability.

● Excellent customer communication and cross-functional leadership.

● Analytical thinking and problem-solving.

● Ability to work under pressure and deliver on timelines.

4. Qualifications & Experience

● Education: B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical/Automobile/Production Engineering.

● Experience: 4-8 years in New Product Development with a Tier-I / Tier-II automotive component manufacturer.

● Exposure to OEM processes such as Maruti, Hyundai, Tata, M&M, Honda, Toyota, etc. is preferred.

5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

● RFQ-to-SOP lead time adherence.

● PPAP approval on first submission.

● Prototype delivery OTIF.

● Development cost vs. budget.

● Customer PPM during the development phase.

● Successful closure of engineering changes (ECNs).

● VA/VE savings contributed.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹35,000.00 - ₹40,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Provident Fund

Work Location: In person