Lead – New Product Development (NPD) & Vendor Development

Role Summary

The NPD & Vendor Development Lead is responsible for managing product development projects from concept to launch and ensuring a robust vendor base for timely, cost-effective, and quality supply. The role acts as a bridge between design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams, ensuring smooth execution of new product introductions and supplier development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

New Product Development

Execute product development projects as per the stage-gate process.
Coordinate with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams for prototyping and validation.
Ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Maintain documentation in PLM and support change management processes.

Vendor Development

Identify and qualify new suppliers for raw materials, components, and tooling.
Conduct supplier audits and capability assessments.
Negotiate pricing and contracts to achieve cost targets.
Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement.

Project Management

Prepare project timelines, budgets, and resource plans.
Track project progress and report status to stakeholders.
Proactively mitigate risks and resolve issues.

Cost & Quality Management

Support Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives and cost optimization programs.
Ensure adherence to quality standards, including ISO/IATF, and implement corrective actions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

Knowledge of product development processes, APQP, and PPAP.
Familiarity with CAD tools, PLM systems, and ERP.
Understanding of quality systems and supplier audits.

Managerial Skills

Strong project management skills.
Expertise in cost analysis and negotiation.

Behavioral Skills

Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Team collaboration and leadership potential.

Educational Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Production Engineering.
Project Management certification preferred.
8–10 years of experience in NPD and vendor development.

KPIs & Performance Metrics

On-time delivery of NPD milestones.
Cost savings achieved through sourcing and VA/VE.
Supplier performance metrics, including PPM and delivery adherence.
Reduction in lead times for critical components.

Competency Matrix

Core Competencies

Strategic Thinking: Align NPD and vendor development strategy with business objectives.
Innovation: Drive creative solutions and product ideas.

Functional Competencies

Product Development Lifecycle: Execute concept-to-launch projects using the stage-gate process.
Vendor Development: Identify, qualify, and improve supplier performance.
Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with quality standards and audits.

Behavioral Competencies

Leadership: Guide teams and collaborate effectively.
Communication: Communicate clearly and persuasively.
Problem-Solving: Apply an analytical approach to challenges.

Travel Requirements

The position involves frequent travel to supplier locations, including extended stays. Only candidates willing to travel frequently and stay at supplier locations should apply.

Lead - New Product Development (NPD) & Vendor Development