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Job Position: Manager – New Product Development (NPD)

Department: New Product Development

Location: Five Star MIDC, Kagal, Maharashtra

Experience: 12 to 15 years

Salary: Upto 80k per month

Industry: Sheet Metal Manufacturing

Reporting To: Managing Director (MD)

Job Purpose

The Manager – New Product Development (NPD) will be responsible for managing the complete product development lifecycle, from understanding customer requirements and developing prototypes to successful handover for production and commercialization. The role involves close coordination with customers, vendors, production teams, and internal departments to ensure timely execution of development projects and successful conversion of new products into revenue-generating opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Prototyping

• Study customer drawings, specifications, and technical requirements to develop prototypes.
• Coordinate prototype development activities and ensure products are manufactured as per customer expectations.
• Evaluate new product feasibility, manufacturability, and process requirements.
• Support product validation, testing, and approval activities.

Project Coordination & Execution

• Monitor and coordinate all development activities across departments until final dispatch.
• Ensure timely completion of development projects as per agreed timelines.
• Track project milestones and proactively address delays or bottlenecks.
• Maintain project documentation and development records.

Customer Interaction & Technical Support

• Act as the primary point of contact for customers during product development.
• Clarify technical requirements, drawings, specifications, and modifications with customers.
• Visit customer locations when required to resolve technical issues and gather feedback.
• Ensure customer concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.

Vendor Development & Procurement Support

• Identify and develop vendors for new processes, materials, and components required for product development.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely procurement of development-related materials and hardware.
• Evaluate vendor capabilities and support supplier qualification activities.

Process Improvement & Innovation

• Identify opportunities for process improvements in product development and manufacturing.
• Recommend improvements to enhance product quality, productivity, and cost efficiency.
• Support implementation of new technologies, processes, and development methodologies.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate with Production, Quality, Purchase, Stores, Tool Room, and other departments to ensure smooth project execution.
• Follow up on material availability and process readiness for development projects.
• Ensure complete transfer of project documentation, process sheets, and technical information to the Production Department after successful prototype approval.

Reporting & Communication

• Provide daily project status updates to senior management.
• Prepare development progress reports, risk assessments, and project completion summaries.
• Escalate critical issues impacting project timelines or customer commitments.

Additional Responsibilities

• Undertake special assignments and projects as directed by management.
• Support business development initiatives related to new product opportunities.

Desired Candidate Profile

Educational Qualification

• Diploma / Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

• 5–10 years of experience in New Product Development, Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Project Management.
• Experience in prototype development and customer-driven product development projects.
• Exposure to manufacturing industries such as furniture, engineering products, automotive components, industrial products, or related sectors is preferred.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time completion of development projects.
• Prototype approval success rate.
• Successful transfer of projects to production.
• Customer satisfaction during development projects.
• Vendor development effectiveness.
• Reduction in development lead time.
• Process improvement implementation.
• New product commercialization success rate.