New Product Introduction (NPI) Manager – High-Mix, Low-Volume Mechanical Assembly
The Opportunity: Driving Agility and Precision in NPI Step into a pivotal leadership role at the forefront of complex manufacturing. In our dynamic High-Mix, Low-Volume (HMLV) mechanical assembly environment, adaptability and rapid execution are critical. As the NPI Leader, you will serve as the master integrator between our Customer focus teams and site Functional groups (Engineering, Quality, and Production). You will direct a specialized strike team to seamlessly transition highly customized, complex mechanical products from initial concept to scalable production, ensuring every new launch is executed with precision, speed, and uncompromising quality.
Key Job Accountabilities:
- Optimize NPI for HMLV Reality: Continuously evaluate and evolve our NPI methodologies to ensure they are lean, highly agile, and effective for rapid changeovers and customized mechanical manufacturing.
- Strategic Customer Alignment: Partner closely with Customer Managers and Directors to stay ahead of the curve on new business awards. Ensure early, proactive engagement of the NPI Team to define tooling, fixturing, and line requirements well before the first build.
- Architect Robust Technical Frameworks: Develop and deploy a methodical, data-driven NPI approach tailored for complex mechanical assemblies. Lead the execution of customer engagement strategies, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), First Article Inspections (FAI), and rigorous product qualifications.
- Protect Profitability: Drive meticulous quote-to-actual gap analyses on every launch, identifying variances in assembly times, material costs, and overhead to protect margins on low-volume production runs.
- Empower an Agile Team: Exemplify and uphold the Plexus Core Values. Build a culture of continuous learning and adaptability required for HMLV success by actively evaluating team potential, driving succession planning, and providing the hands-on coaching your team needs to realize their full potential.
Education & Experience Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree required, with a preference for Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline.
- 5 or more years of related experience in manufacturing, engineering, or NPI leadership, preferably within a complex electro-mechanical or pure mechanical assembly environment.
- Proven expertise in navigating the unique challenges of a High-Mix, Low-Volume manufacturing floor.
- An equivalent combination of education and/or highly relevant industry experience will be considered.
