New Product Development Manager

Key Responsibilities

1. Product Ideation & Concept Development

2. Product Design & Engineering

Validate materials and finishes (PP, ABS, PC, silicone, aluminium, fabric assemblies) for strength, texture, and aesthetic harmony.

Drive “Design for Manufacturability & Assembly” (DFM/DFA) with internal and external tooling teams.

3. Prototype, Tooling & Validation

Supervise prototype builds, pilot tooling trials, and design validation tests.

Coordinate with mould makers, vendors, and production for accurate fit, tolerance, and finish.

Approve sample builds and first-article parts prior to mass production release.

Manage change controls (ECR/ECO) and ensure timely design freeze.

4. Program & Cross-Functional Management

Own project timelines, cost targets, and launch readiness for all new products.

Collaborate with Procurement, QA, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing for seamless project transfer.

Present milestone reviews to management with progress trackers and risk mitigations.

Manage external design partners and freelance collaborators where required.

5. Compliance & Certification

Ensure all products meet global and Indian baby-safety and quality certifications.

Liaise with accredited labs for mechanical, chemical, and usability testing.

Maintain complete design documentation for traceability and audit readiness.

6. Leadership & Capability Building

Mentor design and NPD engineers in structured design methodology and creative thinking.

Foster an innovation culture — quick prototyping, user-centric iteration, and technical experimentation.

Build and maintain R for Rabbit’s internal design library, colour-material-finish (CMF) palette, and aesthetic guidelines.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s in Mechanical / Industrial Design / Product Design / Tool Engineering.

Master’s in Design or Innovation preferred.

10–15 years’ experience in NPD and design within consumer products / baby products / plastics or lifestyle durables.

Proven track record of taking multiple SKUs from concept to production.