NPD Manager (DFM Outdoor Furniture)

Role Overview

NPD Manager – DFM Outdoor Furniture

Design for Manufacturing (DFM)

product design sensibility, engineering knowledge, material expertise (metal, wood, wicker, fabric, etc.), and understanding of outdoor performance standards

Key Responsibilities

1. Product Design, Modification & Re-engineering

• 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.

Qualifications & Experience

• 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.