New Product Development Specialist

The NPD (New Product Development) Executive/Manager is responsible for driving the development, enhancement, and commercialization of new printing and packaging products. This role ensures that all new products meet customer expectations, market trends, sustainability requirements, and manufacturing capabilities. The position serves as a bridge between sales, design, production, procurement, and quality teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. New Product Development

Lead end-to-end development of new printing & packaging products ( plastic mold box, premium paper bags, composite cans/ canisters/ rigid boxes, etc.).

Evaluate customer briefs and translate requirements into technical specifications.

Collaborate with design teams for structural, graphic, and material development.

Develop prototypes, mock-ups, and samples for customer approval.

Conduct feasibility studies to assess cost, materials, production timelines, and process capability.

2. Technical Expertise & Material Selection

Select materials such as paperboards, kraft, fluting, films, adhesives, inks, coatings, and finishing options.

Optimize packaging structure for strength, cost efficiency, sustainability, and manufacturability.

Work closely with production and quality teams to ensure alignment with printing/finishing technologies (offset, flexo, gravure, digital, etc.).

3. Project Management

Manage multiple NPD projects simultaneously from concept to commercial launch.

Define project timelines, deliverables, and cross-functional responsibilities.

Track project progress and ensure timely completion.

4. Costing & Feasibility

Prepare cost estimates for materials, tooling, printing, and finishing processes.

Support sales teams by providing accurate costing and technical insights during customer pitches.

Identify cost-saving opportunities through material optimization and process improvements.

5. Customer Interaction

Present concepts, prototypes, and technical solutions to customers.

Gather customer feedback and integrate it into product improvements.

Participate in customer audits and technical meetings.

6. Quality & Compliance

Ensure that all new products comply with industry standards, sustainability norms, and regulatory requirements.

Conduct performance testing and coordinate pilot runs.

Troubleshoot technical issues during trial and mass production.

7. Documentation & Reporting

Maintain detailed documentation for specifications, BOMs, testing reports, and approvals.

Ensure accurate handover to production and quality teams for mass-scale manufacturing.

Qualifications & Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree/diploma in Packaging Technology, Print Technology, Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, or related fields.

Experience

2–10+ years of experience in printing/packaging NPD (depending on position level).

Experience with FMCG, pharma, e-commerce, food packaging, or luxury packaging is an advantage.

Technical Skills

Strong understanding of printing processes (Offset, Flexo, Gravure, Digital).

Knowledge of die-cutting, lamination, embossing, foiling, varnishes, coatings.

Proficiency with packaging design software (ArtiosCAD, Illustrator, CoralDraw, CAD tools).

Knowledge of paperboard types, corrugation, flexible films, and packaging materials.

Soft Skills

Strong project management capabilities.

Excellent communication and cross-functional coordination.

Analytical problem-solving skills.

Ability to work under tight timelines with attention to detail.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Number of successful product launches.

Timeliness of NPD project completion.

Cost optimization achieved.

Customer satisfaction/approval rate of prototypes.

Reduction in trial rejections or production issues.