New Product Introduction Program Manager

Program Manager, New Product Introduction (NPI)

Are you a dynamic and results-drivenProgram Managerwith a specialized focus onNew Product Introduction (NPI)andAdvanced Product Quality Planning (APQP). We are seeking a highly skilled professional to lead our critical development and production programs within theautomotive and heavy vehicle industries. In this pivotal role, you will be the driving force behind the successful launch of new products, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and achieving internal business objectives. You'll thrive in a customer-centric environment, serving as a key interface and communicator for both internal and external stakeholders.

What You'll Do

Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) & APQP:Own the comprehensive planning, execution, monitoring, control, and close-out of assigned NPI programs, from concept to launch. Drive the application ofAdvanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)methodologies across all development phases to ensure robust product and process design.

Customer-Centric Program Management:Serve as the primary point of contact for key external customers, ensuring their requirements are meticulously captured, understood, and integrated into program plans. Proactively manage customer expectations and relationships throughout the program lifecycle.

Strategic Planning & Execution:Develop and lead the creation of detailed program plans, including comprehensive APQP deliverables (e.g., FMEAs, Control Plans, PPAP documentation), schedules, work breakdown structures, budgets, and proactive risk mitigation plans. Ensure all development programs are planned at a business and functional level to deliver on stringent business case and customer contract objectives.

Cross-Functional Team Leadership:Lead, motivate, and guide cross-functional program teams through all phases of NPI, fostering seamless collaboration and accountability. Utilize robust management operating systems and integrated teaming approaches to drive efficient program execution and problem resolution.

Performance & Change Control:Diligently manage scope, schedule, and cost baselines through rigorous change control processes. Develop and maintain internal performance scorecards for development and production programs, actively leading "get to green" or "recovery" efforts to address performance variances.

Communication & Presentation:Prepare and deliver compelling program status updates and technical presentations to both internal leadership and external customers. Regularly update internal monthly sales files, providing accurate and timely program data.

Supplier & Subcontractor Management:Provide leadership in the creation, maintenance, and management of robust relationships with key subcontractors, ensuring their performance aligns with program requirements and quality standards.

Gated Product Lifecycle Management:Utilize and enforce a rigorous gated control and approval process for the product life-cycle, ensuring adherence to quality milestones and successful transitions at each stage.

Continuous Improvement:Work collaboratively across functions to identify and plan activities required to continuously improve upon performance variances and optimize business case objectives.

What We're Looking For

Education:Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related technical field.

Experience:Minimum of 3 years of progressive program management experience with a strong emphasis onNew Product Introduction (NPI)andAdvanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), preferably within the automotive or heavy vehicle manufacturing industries.

Technical Proficiency:

Demonstrated expertise in applying APQP principles and tools throughout the product development lifecycle.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Power BI, Planner).

Experience with CAD software (2D and 3D).

Experience with SAP.

In-depth knowledge of IATF 16949 and VDA standards.

Key Skills:

Exceptional Customer Focus:Proven ability to understand and translate customer needs (both internal and external) into actionable program plans and deliverables.

Outstanding Communication:Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical and business information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including executive leadership and external customers.

Presentation Expertise:Skilled in developing and delivering professional and impactful presentations.

Leadership & Influence:Strong leadership capabilities with a proven ability to drive organizational change and achieve results through influence and negotiation across multiple organizational functions without direct authority.

Strategic & Tactical Thinking:A demonstrated capability to think strategically and execute tactically, adapting to challenging environments.

Data-Driven Problem Solving:An integrative thinker with a strong foundation in data-driven problem solving and decision-making.

Business Acumen:Demonstrated depth and breadth in business acumen across major functional disciplines including Program Management, Engineering, Operations, Finance, Contracts, Business Development, Marketing, and Sales.

Relationship Building:Skilled in building and nurturing strong customer and subcontractor relationships while balancing strategic objectives.

Negotiation:Formal and informal negotiation experience.

Preferred:PMP (Program Management Professional) Certification is highly desired.