Senior New Product Development Manager

Job Purpose:

The Senior Manager NPD (Launch & Industrialization) is responsible for leading the transition of new products from concept and prototype tooling to stable mass production. The role ensures engineering intent, quality standards, cost targets, and manufacturing feasibility are achieved through robust launch planning, tooling readiness, and cross-functional coordination

Key Responsibilities:

1 Prototype-to-Production Transition

1.1 Own the end-to-end launch roadmap from prototype tooling to mass production

1.2 Validate prototype tools for dimensional accuracy, capability, and design intent

1.3 Define and execute upgrade plans for production-grade molds, dies, jigs, and fixtures

2 Manufacturing Readiness & Ramp-Up

2.1 Lead pilot builds, line trials, and PPAP activities

2.2 Ensure BOMs, process flows, PFMEAs, and work instructions are production-ready

2.3 Drive resolution of DFM/DFA and manufacturability issues

3 Tooling & Equipment Program Management

3.1 Oversee sourcing, commissioning, and validation of tooling and equipment

3.2 Manage vendors for tool fabrication, modification, and handover

3.3 Drive Moldflow, FEM, DOE, and capability studies to optimize tool performance

4 Launch Governance & Reporting

4.1 Establish launch gates, milestones, and risk registers

4.2 Develop dashboards and KPIs for program health

4.3 Lead change management and engineering release control

5 Quality & Compliance

5.1 Ensure compliance with ISO, IATF 16949, and RDSO (where applicable)

5.2 Drive APQP, PPAP, Control Plan, and FMEA deployment

6 Cross-Functional Leadership

6.1 Coordinate design, manufacturing, quality, procurement, and suppliers

6.2 Provide technical guidance during industrialization and ramp-up

Qualifications:

Bachelors Degree in Mechanical / Manufacturing / Industrial Engineering

Experience Required:

10–15 years in NPD, tooling, and industrialization

Industry:

Automotive / Rail / Heavy Engineering background preferred

Key Skills & Competencies:

Program Leadership

Manufacturing Orientation

Tooling Expertise

Problem Solving

Stakeholder Management

SolidWorks / CAD review

Moldflow / FEM / DOE

APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans

MS Project / Primavera

PLM & ERP systems

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

Launch milestone adherence

PPAP First Pass Yield

Ramp-up defect rate

Tool readiness at SOP

Cost variance vs target