Senior New Product Introduction (NPI) Manager Location: Glenrothes or Livingston Security Clearance: Must be eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship (baseline clearance required) Copello are working in partnership with a leading organisation within the defence and aerospace sector to recruit a Senior New Product Introduction (NPI) Manager. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on bridging the gap between R&D and full-scale manufacturing, ensuring the successful industrialisation of complex electronic products. This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking engineering environment where innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence are at the forefront. Key Responsibilities * Strategic Leadership: Lead a cross-functional team of manufacturing and process engineers to deliver new products from concept (RFQ) through to full production handover. * Lifecycle Management: Drive products through structured stage-gate processes (e.g. AS9145, APQP) from initial bid to production readiness. * Design for Excellence (DfX): Champion Design for Manufacturability (DfM), Testability (DfT), and Cost (DfC) to ensure robust, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. * Risk Mitigation: Manage Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) and conduct FMEA/PFMEA activities to proactively identify and resolve risks. * Supply Chain Collaboration: Work closely with procurement and external suppliers to ensure component availability and manufacturing capability. * Project Governance: Establish and manage baselines for cost, schedule, and scope, providing regular updates to senior stakeholders. * Process Development: Oversee the creation of manufacturing plans, tooling, fixtures, and work instructions. * Cross-Functional Alignment: Coordinate with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure successful product launches. * Manufacturing Readiness: Lead MRL assessments and readiness plans to ensure production capability and stability. * Gate Reviews: Chair and manage NPI Gate Reviews, Design Reviews, and Production Readiness Reviews. Experience & Qualifications * Degree qualified (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in Electrical, Electronic, or Manufacturing Engineering. * Significant experience within a manufacturing environment, including leadership responsibility. * Proven experience within highly regulated industries such as aerospace, defence, or space. * Strong knowledge of standards such as AS9100, AS9145 (APQP/PPAP), and J-STD-001. * Experience with project management tools (e.g. MS Project, Smartsheet); PRINCE2 or PMP desirable. * Deep understanding of electronics manufacturing processes, including PCBA, SMT, and microelectronics assembly. * Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies. * Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle) and PLM tools. * Strong background in PFMEA, Root Cause Analysis, and test systems (ATE). * Ability to interpret technical drawings, BOMs, and GD&T specifications. * Knowledge of advanced manufacturing techniques (e.g. CNC machining, automation, special processes, SMT assembly). What’s on Offer * Competitive salary * 25 days holiday + bank holidays, with the option to buy/sell up to 5 days * Generous pension contribution * Discretionary bonus scheme * Life assurance (6x salary) * Flexible benefits package including health cash plan, dental, and cycle to work * Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies * Flexible working environment (site-based, hybrid, or remote depending on role requirements) * Up to 5 days paid volunteering leave annually Additional Information Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be permanent UK residents and able to successfully complete baseline (BPSS) security clearance
