NPI Program Senior Manager

Celestica; Kulai; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Celestica in Senai, Johor seeks an experienced Program/Project Manager to oversee complex NPI projects and high-visibility programs. You will be the primary interface between customers and internal teams, ensuring on-time, on-scope, and on-budget delivery across global core teams.

Responsibilities include end-to-end execution, lifecycle management, risk control, budget oversight, and strong cross-functional leadership to align with the company's strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in project/program management, marketing, or manufacturing.
• Strong NPI or program management knowledge is essential.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.
• Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint for project reporting.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and monitor the overall program lifecycle from award to delivery.
• Manage program plan, WBS, and resource allocation across global teams.
• Lead cross-functional meetings and align execution with business strategy.
• Forecast budgets, track actuals, and manage risks and dependencies.
• Prepare PID and client-facing project plans to ensure clear communication.

Skills

NPI/Program Management

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Risk management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Business

Tools

Gantt charts

Issue tracking

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Mandatory Requirement Needed: A minimum of 10 years of NPI and Program Management experience

Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Program/Project Manager to oversee complex New Product Introduction (NPI) projects and high-visibility programs. In this role, you will act as the primary interface between customers and internal teams, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. You will lead cross-functional global core teams, drive technical execution, manage program finances, and align project outputs with broader business strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• End-to-End Execution: Plan, execute, and monitor the overall program lifecycle. Drive the creation, review, approval, and maintenance of the Program Plan and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), including resource allocation.
• Lifecycle Management: Implement changes as dictated by the product lifecycle process and proactively recommend process improvements.
• Interdependency Management: Coordinate multiple projects, manage their interdependencies, and optimize resource utilization across the entire program.
• Documentation: Author and maintain comprehensive project documentation, including the Program Initiation Document (PID) and client-facing project plans.
• Primary Interface: Serve as the main point of contact between external clients and the company to manage NPI projects within professional standards and policy frameworks.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead, kick off, and facilitate meetings for high-complexity, cross-functional, and global core teams.
• Strategic Alignment: Present to, communicate with, and influence key functional teams to align day-to-day execution with the company’s vision and departmental goals.
• Performance Tracking: Monitor project performance against defined phase gates, specifically analyzing the successful completion of short- and long-term milestones.
• Risk Management: Perform comprehensive risk management to minimize project vulnerabilities. Appropriately delegate project tasks, ensuring seamless coordination and documentation.
• Financial & Resource Accountability: Manage the program budget. Forecast and track actuals against plans/quotes for revenue, income, labor, and overall expenses.
• Technical Benchmarking: Understand technical risks and push technical boundaries where possible to design processable packaging solutions, optimizing quality, cost, and cycle time.
• Strategic Initiatives: Lead and develop company-wide, cross-functional, or complex process initiatives and business strategies.
• Team Development: Foster cross-functional team growth by identifying professional development opportunities and coaching Program Core Team members.
• Departmental Goals: Set annual plans and goals for the department, provide regular performance evaluations and continuous feedback, and remain accountable for achieving departmental KPIs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• Domain Expertise: In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, production scheduling requirements, and Supply Chain Management (SCM).
• Project Management Tools: Robust expertise in project management methodologies, including Gantt charts, open issue tracking, and end-to-end NPI lifecycles (from customer award and BOM setup to supply chain setup, material readiness, and 5M/1E/1C manufacturing & facilities readiness).
• Business & Commercial Acumen: Deep understanding of commercial contracts, pricing negotiations, business risks, and price structures (Value Add and Materials).
• Problem Solving & Communication: Outstanding customer contact, negotiation, and problem-resolution skills. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Technical Proficiency: Solid computer, presentation, and database management skills.
• Execution Focus: Proven ability to successfully manage multiple detailed projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.

Typical Education & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education, NPI project management, and program experience).
• Experience: A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in project management, marketing, or manufacturing industries.
• Core Requirements (Must-Haves): * Strong NPI OR Program Management knowledge.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Proficient computer skills, specifically in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Location: Applicants must be willing to work in Senai, Johor.
• Attributes: Possess a positive working attitude and a strong willingness to learn.