Operations NPI Manager Job Tuscaloosa area,Alabama USA,Engineering

Lead multiple moderate to highly complex operations projects for NPD, process improvement, and manufacturing support
Provide project management and technical problem-solving support on high-complexity projects as needed
Partner with cross-functional NPI programs from concept through mass production as the operations owner throughout the product lifecycle
Influence design-for-manufacturability (DFM) and design-for-cost (DFC) during design phases
Track project schedules, communicate issues, identify and mitigate risks, implement risk-reduction plans, and elevate as appropriate
Coordinate with Supply Chain and Procurement on potential new suppliers and component/material readiness
Work cross-functionally and globally with Quality & Reliability, Engineering, Sourcing, Finance, Supply and Demand, Marketing, and other departments
Lead operational readiness and implementation, including equipment and tooling integration, capability reviews, manufacturing processes, and safety, regulatory, and standards compliance
Develop processes with operations, quality, and suppliers that meet part/product specifications and performance requirements
Establish and track NPI metrics, including on-time launch
Lead post-launch reviews and drive continuous improvement into future programs
Communicate program status, risks, and decisions to the Operations organization

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field
8+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing engineering, or program management, with significant time in NPI or new product launch environments
Experience in medical devices
Experience building NPI processes from the ground up
Proven track record leading complex, cross-functional product launches from prototype to volume production
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, DFM/DFx principles, and supply chain fundamentals
Experience with stage-gate or similar product development processes
Excellent program management skills
Strong communication skills, comfortable presenting to senior leadership and cross-functional, global teams
Experience with ERP/PLM systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Agile, Windchill)
Employer will not sponsor visas for position
Preferred:
Six Sigma / Lean Manufacturing certification

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in leading complex operations projects, particularly in new product introduction (NPI) and manufacturing support, while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Proficient in project management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional collaboration to drive successful product launches and continuous improvement.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Project Management
New Product Introduction (NPI)
Manufacturing Processes
Design-For-Manufacturability (DFM)
ERP/PLM Systems

Hard Skills

Operations Management
Manufacturing Engineering
Program Management
Supply Chain Fundamentals
NPI Process Development
Stage-Gate Product Development
Risk Mitigation
Continuous Improvement
Metrics Tracking
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Soft Skills

Strong Communication
Leadership
Problem-Solving

Certifications & Qualifications

Six Sigma
Lean Manufacturing

Industry Keywords

Medical Devices
Design-For-Cost (DFC)
Operational Readiness
Quality & Reliability
Equipment Integration

Tools & Technologies

SAP
Oracle
Agile
Windchill