NPI Manager

Position Summary

The New Product Introduction Manager is responsible for leading the production integration of new aerospace products and associated manufacturing processes. This role manages the development, manufacture, and delivery of new products while helping create robust, cost-effective processes for transition into full-scale production.

You will lead the NPI department, support a high-performance team, establish production schedules, remove manufacturing barriers, and ensure alignment between customer expectations, technical requirements, and operational execution.

This position currently supports the development and manufacture of approximately $12 million in annual sales.

The New Product Introduction Manager is responsible for leading the production integration of new aerospace products and associated manufacturing processes. This role manages the development, manufacture, and delivery of new products while helping create robust, cost-effective processes for transition into full-scale production.

You will lead the NPI department, support a high-performance team, establish production schedules, remove manufacturing barriers, and ensure alignment between customer expectations, technical requirements, and operational execution.

This position currently supports the development and manufacture of approximately $12 million in annual sales.

• Lead the New Product Introduction department with clear objectives, expectations, accountability, and team empowerment
• Promote a Safety-First culture by encouraging identification and closure of safety improvement opportunities
• Partner closely with operations, technology, product development, sourcing, RPM, Tool Room, and manufacturing teams
• Establish and execute new product production schedules to meet or exceed customer expectations
• Manage the development and manufacture of new aerospace products and associated production processes
• Monitor NPI department capacity and capability through effective capacity planning
• Identify operational risks, resource constraints, and opportunities for improvement
• Resolve manufacturing barriers and establish resource prioritization across competing programs
• Develop and transition fully documented, validated, cost-efficient products and processes to full-scale production
• Ensure compliance with new product development processes, deliverables, and production readiness requirements
• Support cost reduction initiatives that improve quality, process performance, and Design-to-Cost targets
• Maintain awareness of NPI milestones, KPIs, risks, and obstacles through performance dashboards, improvement boards, and regular operating cadence
• Build and sustain an environment where team members can develop cross-functional skills and expertise
• Drive team performance across key metrics including safety, quality, delivery, cost, engagement, and empowerment
• Maintain a continuous improvement and Lean mindset focused on product and process robustness
• Support Zero Defects through disciplined execution, risk management, and process improvement
• Establish the required flow of purchased and plant materials to support agreed customer delivery schedules
• Work with NPI sourcing, RPM, Tool Room, and other teams to improve on-time delivery performance

We are looking for a leader who can balance strategy and execution - someone who can communicate across functions, manage complexity, develop people, and drive results in a technical manufacturing environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related discipline with strong product and/or process knowledge
• Minimum of 4 years of experience leading teams and/or complex projects
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performance teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders
• SAP experience
• General knowledge of Parker Lord manufacturing processes, such as elastomer processes, bonding processes, assembly, or similar manufacturing processes
• Fluency in English

• Product design knowledge or product development experience
• Knowledge of general cost accounting practices
• Master's degree in Engineering, MBA, or similar advanced degree
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or regulated product environments
• Experience transitioning new products from development into production
• Lean manufacturing or…