Npd Manager - DFM Outdoor Furniture

Role & responsibilities

Department:

• Lead the 

  redesign and re-engineering of existing outdoor furniture SKUs

   to achieve modularity and 3-pick assembly readiness.
• Translate design concepts into 

  manufacturing-ready engineering drawings and 3D models

   optimized for cost, strength, weather performance, and easy assembly.
• Conduct 

  value engineering

   to reduce complexity, materials, and tooling costs while maintaining product strength and aesthetics.
• Optimize furniture construction for 

  flat-pack shipping, minimal hardware, and rapid assembly

  .
• Collaborate with design and NPD teams to balance 

  aesthetic appeal, ergonomic comfort, and production feasibility

  .

2. Design for Manufacturing (DFM) & Industrial Engineering

• Apply DFM principles to outdoor furniture — ensuring compatibility with 

  metal fabrication, powder coating, weaving, injection molding, and upholstery

   processes.
• Standardize joinery systems, fittings, and components across multiple product lines to improve scalability and interchangeability.
• Work closely with production and tooling teams to ensure all designs meet 

  machine, fixture, and assembly-line constraints

  .
• Validate structural integrity and weather resistance through simulation and testing before commercialization.
• Partner with procurement and suppliers to identify suitable materials for outdoor use — aluminum, steel, synthetic wicker, rope, high-performance fabrics, etc.

3. 3-Pick Assembly Program Development

• Drive the 

  3-pick assembly initiative

   for outdoor furniture — focusing on compact packaging, reduced components, and intuitive end-user assembly.
• Engineer assembly mechanisms and connectors that minimize tools and setup time while ensuring long-term durability.
• Collaborate with packaging and logistics teams to optimize 

  carton design, space utilization, and shipping stability

  .
• Develop 

  visual assembly instructions and exploded-view guides

   for customers and internal production teams.

4. Prototype Development & Testing

• Oversee 

  prototype creation and pilot production runs

  , ensuring alignment with engineering and design intent.
• Conduct 

  outdoor product validation tests

   — corrosion, UV resistance, load bearing, finish adhesion, and cyclic durability.
• Work with quality teams to establish and implement 

  performance and compliance standards

   for all outdoor furniture categories.
• Implement continuous improvement feedback loops between NPD, production, and after-sales data.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with 

  industrial design, manufacturing, quality, sourcing, and logistics

   teams for end-to-end execution of NPD projects.
• Collaborate with 

  supply chain and warehouse teams

   for packaging, labeling, and distribution standardization.
• Partner with the 

  marketplace, cataloging, and e-commerce

   teams to ensure all technical data, assembly details, and images are aligned for product listings.
• Liaise with 

  vendors and contract manufacturers

   for sample development, process validation, and capacity assessment.

6. Documentation, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain complete 

  CAD drawings, BOMs, change control documents, and DFM review reports

   for each SKU.
• Ensure all products comply with relevant 

  international outdoor furniture standards

   (e.g., BIFMA, ASTM, EN).
• Monitor performance data and post-launch feedback to continuously refine designs and materials.
• Lead initiatives to enhance 

  sustainability, recyclability, and cost efficiency

   in product design and packaging.

Key Deliverables

• Conversion of all existing outdoor SKUs to DFM- and 3-pick assembly-compliant designs.
• Reduction in assembly time and hardware count per product.
• Improvement in production efficiency and reduction in cost per unit.
• 100% adherence to outdoor performance, corrosion, and durability standards.
• Timely completion of NPD milestones from concept to commercialization.

Desired Skills & Competencies

• Deep understanding of 

  outdoor furniture design, DFM, and modular engineering principles

  .
• Expertise in 

  3D CAD tools

   (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360, or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of 

  metal fabrication, powder coating, weaving, upholstery, and material finishes

  .
• Hands-on experience with 

  knock-down / flat-pack

   product design and furniture assembly mechanisms.
• Proficient in 

  BOM creation, costing, and design documentation

  .
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Strong coordination skills with internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred candidate profile:-

• Education:

   Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical / Industrial Engineering, Product Design, or Furniture Design.

• Experience:

   7–10 years of experience in 

  Outdoor Furniture Product Engineering / NPD / Manufacturing

  , with proven exposure to 

  DFM and modular design

  .
• Prior experience with 

  export or premium outdoor furniture brands

   preferred.