Project Manager (NPI)

ZipRecruiter; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Project Manager – New Product Introduction (NPI)
Location: Oxfordshire & Warwickshire
Duration: 6-month Contract
Rate: Negotiable

Job Summary: We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Project Manager – New Product Introduction (NPI) to lead cross-functional teams in bringing innovative products from concept to launch. This role plays a critical part in managing timelines, resources, and deliverables to ensure successful introduction of new products into manufacturing and market readiness. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management, product development, and cross-functional coordination in a fast-paced, technical environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead and manage NPI projects from concept through design, development, validation, pilot build, and production ramp-up.
2. Define project scope, goals, success metrics, schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
3. Drive cross-functional collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, marketing, and finance teams.
4. Coordinate Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Test (DFT), and Design Verification Test (DVT) activities.
5. Facilitate product readiness for production, including manufacturing line setup, tooling, supplier readiness, and process validation.
6. Monitor project risks, issues, and changes, ensuring mitigation plans are implemented as needed.
7. Conduct regular project status meetings, prepare progress reports, and communicate with stakeholders at all levels.
8. Manage phase-gate reviews and ensure compliance with internal product development processes and industry standards.
9. Support cost, quality, and timeline targets by balancing trade-offs and proactively addressing bottlenecks.
10. Ensure a smooth handoff from development to production and support early production runs.

Skills Required:

1. Proven track record of successfully launching new products on time and within budget.
2. Strong knowledge of product development lifecycle and NPI methodologies (Gateway, Agile, APQP).
3. Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
4. Proficient in project management tools such as MS Project, Jira, Polarion or JAMA.
5. Ability to manage multiple priorities and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
6. Excellent project management experience in new product introduction, preferably in a manufacturing, automotive, medical device, or high-tech environment.

Preferred Skills:

1. Experience with PLM/ERP systems (e.g., Agile, Siemens, TeamCentre).
2. Familiarity with regulatory and quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949).
3. Experience working with global teams and external suppliers or contract manufacturers.
4. Technical background in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering is a plus.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, or related field (Master’s or PMP certification a plus).

Join us and play a key role in ensuring the backbone of our product data is solid, accurate, and efficient. If you are interested in hearing more about the opportunities, please apply now by sending your CV.

Eligibility: Sponsorship is not offered, and you must be eligible to work in the UK.