New Product Development Manager

Job Description: Head – New Product Development (NPD)Position Overview
The Head of New Product Development (NPD) will lead the end-to-end product development lifecycle—from concept to commercialization—ensuring alignment with customer requirements, cost targets, and manufacturing capabilities. The role demands strong technical expertise in forging and machining processes along with strategic leadership to drive innovation and business growth.
Key Responsibilities1. Product Development & Execution
Lead complete NPD lifecycle: RFQ analysis → feasibility → design → prototyping → validation → PPAP → SOP.
Drive development of components related to:
Forged parts
Precision machined components
Gear systems (gear cutting & finishing)
Welded assemblies
Ensure adherence to customer timelines and APQP milestones.
2. Technical Feasibility & Engineering
Conduct feasibility studies considering:
Forging design & die development
Machining cycle time & process optimization
Gear cutting parameters (hobbing, shaping, grinding)
Welding processes (MIG/TIG/Spot)
Collaborate with design and production teams for manufacturability (DFM/DFA).
Optimize product design for cost, quality, and performance.
3. Customer Interaction & Business Development
Interface with OEM customers for new enquiries and technical discussions.
Support costing and RFQ submissions with technical inputs.
Participate in design reviews and customer audits.
4. Cross-Functional Coordination
Work closely with:
Production
Quality
Tool Room
Purchase & Supply Chain
Ensure smooth transition from development to mass production.
5. Process Development & Validation
Establish robust manufacturing processes.
Lead trials, pilot runs, and validation builds.
Ensure documentation:
Control Plans
PFMEA
Process Flow Diagrams
Work Instructions
6. Quality & Compliance
Ensure compliance with automotive standards (IATF 16949).
Drive PPAP submissions and approvals.
Implement root cause analysis and corrective actions.
7. Costing & Value Engineering
Identify cost reduction opportunities through:
Design optimization
Alternate materials/processes
Cycle time reduction
Support localization and vendor development.
8. Team Leadership
Lead and mentor NPD, design, and process engineering teams.
Build a high-performance, innovation-driven culture.
Technical Skill RequirementsCore Manufacturing Expertise
Forging processes (closed die, hot forging, die design basics)
CNC machining (turning, milling, VMC/HMC operations)
Gear manufacturing (hobbing, shaping, shaving, grinding)
Grinding processes (Cylindrical, Surface, Gear grinding)
Welding techniques (MIG, TIG, robotic welding preferred)
Engineering & Design
Strong understanding of GD&T and tolerance stack-up
Hands-on experience with CAD tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Creo)
Knowledge of simulation tools (preferred)
Quality & Systems
APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA
Root cause analysis tools (8D, Why-Why, Fishbone)
Costing & Process Optimization
Knowledge of cost estimation for forged & machined parts
Lean manufacturing & Six Sigma principles
Educational Qualification
B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (Mandatory)
M.Tech or MBA (Operations/Strategy) – Preferred
Experience
12–18 years in automotive/component manufacturing
Minimum 5+ years in leadership role in NPD or Engineering
Experience with OEM customers (e.g., automotive, tractor, off-highway)
Key Competencies
Strategic thinking with strong execution focus
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
Strong customer handling and negotiation skills
Leadership and team-building capability
High ownership and accountability
KPIs / Success Metrics
On-time NPD project completion (% adherence to timeline)
PPAP approval success rate
Cost reduction / value engineering savings
First-time-right development (minimal rework)
Customer satisfaction score
New business revenue contribution
Reporting Structure
Reports to: Plant Head Operations
Direct Reports: NPD Engineers

Work arrangement
No