Job Description
NPI Manager
Cranfield, Bedfordshire (Hybrid/Flexible)
Competitive Salary + Benefits
NPI Manager (New Product Introduction)
We're supporting an innovative technology business as they transition from an R&D-focused organisation into a commercial product and manufacturing operation.
As part of this growth, they are looking for an NPI Manager to coordinate the successful introduction of new products into production, ensuring engineering, operations, supply chain and manufacturing activities are aligned and delivered on time.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a background in project management, operations or manufacturing who enjoys bringing structure, organisation and momentum to complex technical projects.
The Opportunity
Working closely with the Head of Operations, you'll play a key role in coordinating New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and supporting the transition of products from development through to production.
You'll act as the link between engineering, supply chain, manufacturing partners and commercial teams, ensuring milestones are achieved, risks are managed and production readiness activities remain on track.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple stakeholders and helping innovative products successfully reach the market.
Key ResponsibilitiesNew Product Introduction & Project Coordination
* Coordinate New Product Introduction (NPI) activities across engineering, operations and supply chain teams.
* Support the progression of products from development into production.
* Work closely with the Head of Operations to deliver operational objectives and product launch plans.
* Track project milestones, timelines and key dependencies.
* Monitor progress and ensure actions are completed to agreed schedules.
Production Readiness & Manufacturing Support
* Support production readiness activities across product development programmes.
* Coordinate prototype builds, pilot runs and early-stage production activities.
* Work with engineering teams to support manufacturability and production planning.
* Help ensure operational readiness aligns with commercial launch requirements.
Supply Chain & Supplier Coordination
* Support supplier engagement and readiness activities.
* Assist with BOM readiness, ensuring completeness and alignment with supply chain requirements.
* Coordinate activities between suppliers, manufacturing partners and internal teams.
* Help identify and resolve supply chain-related risks and issues.
Risk Management & Continuous Improvement
* Identify project risks, gaps and dependencies.
* Escalate issues where required and support mitigation planning.
* Contribute to the development of production processes, documentation and standards.
* Support continuous improvement initiatives across operations and product delivery.
What We're Looking ForEssential Experience
* Project management, operations or supply chain experience.
* Exposure to New Product Introduction (NPI), manufacturing or product delivery environments.
* Experience working within engineering, technical or manufacturing organisations.
* Ability to understand engineering drawings and technical documentation.
* Strong organisational and planning skills.
* Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders and workstreams.
* Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
* Comfortable managing competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
Desirable Experience
* Product industrialisation or manufacturing scale-up activities.
* Electronics, engineering or advanced manufacturing environments.
* Working with external manufacturing partners or suppliers.
* Understanding of production processes and manufacturing readiness activities.
* Exposure to quality systems, compliance requirements or engineering change processes.
Knowledge & Skills
* Project planning and coordination.
* Supplier and stakeholder management.
* Risk identification and mitigation.
* BOM management and production readiness activities.
* Basic understanding of quality and compliance requirements.
* Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
Personal Attributes
* Structured, organised and delivery-focused.
* Proactive with a practical approach to problem-solving.
* Strong coordinator who can keep projects moving forward.
* Able to identify issues early and support effective resolution.
* Comfortable working within an engineering-led environment.
* Confident engaging with technical teams without needing to be a design engineer.
* Adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-moving scale-up business.
Why Apply?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing technology company at a pivotal stage of its journey. You'll work closely with senior leadership, gain exposure across engineering, manufacturing and supply chain functions, and play a key role in bringing innovative products from development into commercial production.
If you enjoy coordinating complex projects, working across multiple teams and helping turn great ideas into successful products, we'd love to hear from you.