Senior Manager, New Product Introduction Project (NPI)

Celestica; Johor Bahru; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Celestica Malaysia seeks a Program/Project Manager to oversee complex NPI projects and high-visibility programs, interfacing between customers and internal teams to ensure on-time, within-scope, and within-budget delivery.

You will lead global cross-functional teams, drive execution, manage program finances, and align outputs with business strategies.

Requires 10+ years of PM experience in manufacturing, strong NPI knowledge, excellent English, based in Senai, Johor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of PM experience in manufacturing or marketing.
• Strong NPI knowledge or program management knowledge.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Location: Senai, Johor.

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Execution: Plan, execute, and monitor the overall program lifecycle with PID/WBS artifacts.
• Lifecycle Management: Implement changes per lifecycle process and drive process improvements.
• Interdependency Management: Coordinate multiple projects and optimize resource use across the program.
• Documentation: Create and maintain program documentation including PID and client plans.
• Primary Interface: Act as the main client contact and manage NPI projects to policy standards.
• Team Development: Lead and coach cross-functional teams for high-complexity programs.

Skills

NPI knowledge

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Forecasting & budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Business

Tools

Gantt charts

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

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

Project & Program Governance

• 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.

Stakeholder & Client Management

• 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 knowledge 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.