New Product Development Manager

Looking for Programme Manager / NPD Head

Mandatory: Candidate should be from Plastics only.

Kindly do not share any profile from Automotive domain. Look from Toys/Plastic background such as whitegoods, FMCG etc.

Position Overview:

The Head of Program Management – NPD will lead end-to-end program execution for all new product development initiatives for Toys. This leadership role will bridge product design, engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, Quality and client teams to ensure seamless delivery of new toy products from concept to commercialization.

You will drive cross-functional alignment, timelines, resource allocation, and risk management across a portfolio of global programs, ensuring our manufacturing excellence meets global standards for safety, quality, cost, and time-to-market.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Program Leadership

· Lead and manage all NPD programs from concept through production for global clients.

· Act as the single point of contact for program planning, execution, and delivery.

· Align product development goals with business, manufacturing, and client expectations.

Cross-Functional Coordination

· Collaborate with Product Design, Engineering, Tooling, Sourcing, QA, and Manufacturing teams.

· Ensure integration of design, prototyping, validation, compliance, and ramp-up processes.

Client Engagement

· Engage directly with international clients/OEM partners to manage expectations, timelines, and deliverables.

· Support technical discussions and program status reviews with clients and internal stakeholders.

Process & Governance

· Implement standardized program management frameworks and stage-gate processes.

· Develop KPIs, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms for program visibility and decision-making.

Risk & Change Management

· Proactively identify program risks and implement mitigation strategies.

· Manage change requests, product iterations, and scope control without compromising timelines or cost.

Key Qualifications:

Education:

· B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Industrial, or Production Engineering (mandatory)

· MBA/PGDM in Operations or General Management (preferred)

Experience:

· 15–20 years of experience in program management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

· Proven track record in managing end-to-end NPD programs in high-volume manufacturing and seasonal environments

· Experience in toy manufacturing, consumer electronics, plastics, FMCG or precision assembly is a strong advantage.

· Exposure to global compliance standards (ASTM, EN71, CPSIA, etc.) is desirable.

Skills:

· Strong program management and stakeholder alignment skills

· Deep understanding of product development life cycles, tooling, prototyping, and DFM/DFA in Toys

· Excellent communication, leadership, and team-building capabilities

· Familiarity with PLM, ERP, and project management tools (MS Project, Asana, Jira, etc.)