New Product Development Head

About the Company
A leading manufacturing/building materials organization specializing in panel boards, solid surfaces, and décor surfaces, seeking an experienced professional to lead New Product Development.
About the Role
The Asst./DGM – New Product Development will lead end-to-end NPD from ideation to commercialization, ensuring alignment with growth strategy, technical feasibility, operational scalability, and commercial viability. The role will collaborate closely with Plant, Quality, Procurement, Marketing, Sales, and Finance teams.
Responsibilities
Build and manage a structured NPD roadmap and pipeline (short/medium/long term), prioritizing by strategic fit, volume/value potential, and time-to-market
Conduct market scans, competitor benchmarking, gap analysis, and VOC capture from key accounts, architects, contractors, and end users
Analyze product usage, complaints, IS/international standards, and competitor products to drive improvements and new applications
Convert approved concepts into detailed product briefs with technical specs, target costing, and positioning
Collaborate with R&D/Technical/Plant teams on formulations, process parameters, lab/plant trials, specs, and testing protocols
Prepare BOMs, process sheets, and technical documentation; lead cross-functional NPD project teams with charters, timelines, and risk registers
Drive project reviews, costing/margin finalization with Finance/Procurement, and pricing strategy with Marketing/Sales
Prepare business cases and ROI justifications for senior management approval
Ensure full launch readiness: samples, demo kits, packaging compliance, training materials, and go-to-market execution
Monitor post-launch performance; implement corrective actions and recommend SKU renovation, rationalization, or upgrades
Maintain updated product dossiers, TDS, FAQs, and NPD dashboards/MIS for senior management
Mentor junior team members and foster a culture of innovation
Qualifications
B.E./B.Tech – Mechanical / Production / Wood Technology / Chemical or related; PG with IWST/ICFRE/FRI; MBA/PGDM preferred
Required Skills
10–15 years overall in Product Development/Management/Technical Marketing
Min. 5–7 years hands-on NPD experience in manufacturing/building materials, especially panel boards, solid surfaces, or décor surfaces
Proven track record of concept-to-commercialization product launches and cross-functional project management
Preferred Skills
Strong understanding of product design, process capability, plant trials, scale-up, costing, and profitability.
Proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, and ERP (SAP or similar).
Excellent project management, stakeholder management, analytical, and communication skills.
Pay range and compensation package
Location & Work Mode: Delhi Head Office | 6 days/week (Mon–Sat) | Up to 50% travel (plants, key markets, customers)

Work arrangement
No