NPI Manager

DOODLE LABS (SG) PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

DOODLE LABS (SG) PTE. LTD. is seeking a senior leader to build and operationalize a world-class New Product Introduction (NPI) function.

You will design the execution engine to move complex HW/SW products from concept to release with speed, rigor, and predictability. You will architect the NPI system, lead cross-functional execution, and create the governance required for rapid scaling without sacrificing velocity.

Qualifications

• Experience building or scaling an NPI function in a hardware-driven organization.
• Proven ability to lead complex cross-functional technical programs.
• Experience implementing stage-gate or similar development frameworks.
• Strong systems thinking and execution discipline.
• Ability to manage CM and production ramp challenges.

Responsibilities

• Establish NPI operating framework with stage-gate governance.
• Lead cross-functional execution across HW, SW, QA, Product, Ops, Sales.
• Develop playbooks and templates for program management and risk tracking.
• Partner with contract manufacturers and production ramp to ensure smooth manufacturing.
• Provide executive-level reporting on program health and risks.

Skills

NPI leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

HW/SW integration

Job description

The Mission

Doodle Labs is entering its next phase of scale. As we expand our robotics and wireless product portfolio across global defense and commercial markets, we need a leader who will build and operationalize a world-class New Product Introduction (NPI) function.

This role is not about tracking projects. It is about designing and enforcing the execution engine that ensures complex HW/SW products move from concept to release with speed, rigor, and predictability.

You will architect the NPI system, lead cross-functional execution, and create the operational discipline that enables Doodle Labs to scale without losing velocity.

What You’ll Do (Performance Objectives)

1. Establish the NPI Operating Framework (First 90 Days)

• Within 30 days, conduct a full diagnostic of current product development workflows, interfaces (HW, SW, QA, Product, Operations, Sales), and execution gaps.

• Within 60 days, design a structured stage-gate NPI framework with clear entry/exit criteria, ownership matrix (RACI), risk management structure, and executive reporting cadence.
• Within 90 days, implement the NPI governance model across all active projects using a standardized project tracking system, ensuring 100% project visibility and milestone alignment.

Measure of Success: All active NPI programs are tracked under a unified framework with defined accountability and escalation paths.

2. Lead Cross-Functional Program Execution

• Own end-to-end NPI execution across multiple concurrent technical programs.
• Ensure alignment between Engineering (HW/SW), QA, Product, Operations, and Sales.
• Establish weekly and monthly executive reporting on program health, risks, and mitigation plans.
• Create structured change-control processes to reduce late-stage execution failures.

Measure of Success (6–12 Months): Measurable improvement in on-time milestone achievement and reduction in cross-functional execution gaps.

3. Build and Develop the NPI Function

• Define the organizational structure required for scalable NPI execution.
• Hire and onboard critical NPI team members.
• Develop execution playbooks and standardized templates for program management and risk tracking.

Measure of Success (6 Months): A structured NPI organization with defined roles and repeatable processes.

4. Drive Operational Rigor Without Slowing Innovation

• Implement structured change management to handle shifting priorities.
• Ensure NPI acts as an enabler, not a bottleneck.
• Introduce launch-readiness reviews to prevent downstream manufacturing and customer-impact issues.
• Partner with Contract Manufacturers (CMs) to ensure smooth production ramp.

Measure of Success: Reduced late engineering changes and improved production handoff quality.

5. Executive Alignment & Strategic Contribution

• Serve as the execution interface between Engineering leadership and executive management.
• Provide data-driven program visibility to support strategic decisions.
• Contribute to long-term scaling strategy of Doodle Labs’ product development organization.

Measure of Success (12 Months): Predictable, transparent product execution roadmap aligned with company growth objectives.

The First 6 Months – Success Timeline

• 0–30 Days: Diagnose current processes, map cross-functional interfaces, establish project visibility.
• 30–60 Days: Design improved NPI governance model and standardize tracking/reporting.
• 60–90 Days: Implement NPI framework and launch executive reporting cadence.
• By 6 Months: Fully operational NPI system with measurable execution improvements.

The Environment

• Fast-growing technology company (US + Singapore footprint).
• High technical complexity (HW, SW, RF systems).
• Multiple concurrent programs.
• Rapidly evolving priorities.
• Direct exposure to executive leadership.

What You Bring

• Experience building or scaling an NPI or program management function in a hardware-driven organization.
• Proven leadership of complex cross-functional technical programs.
• Experience implementing structured development frameworks (stage-gate or similar).
• Ability to manage CM and production ramp challenges.
• Strong systems thinking, communication, and execution discipline.

Why This Role Is Compelling

• Architect the NPI system of a fast-scaling robotics and defense-tech company.
• Influence executive decision-making.
• Build a function from the ground up.
• Direct impact on product launch velocity and company growth.