At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cross-functional teams to launch innovative electronic products from concept to production.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the defence and aerospace sector focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Enjoy a flexible working environment and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-stakes environment with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and significant experience in manufacturing, especially in regulated industries.
The predicted salary is between 32400 - 39600 £ per year.
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.
Senior New Product Introduction Manager in Harlow employer: Copello
Join a forward-thinking organisation in Gloucester that prioritises innovation and employee development. As a Technical Business Analyst, you will be part of a dynamic National Security team, working with cutting-edge technologies while enjoying a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and growth. With opportunities for hybrid working and involvement in high-impact programmes, this role offers a meaningful career path in a sector dedicated to keeping the nation safe and secure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior New Product Introduction Manager in Harlow
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Copello for a Senior New Product Introduction Manager. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior New Product Introduction Manager in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Copello, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Copello, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Copello
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Copello.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Copello. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Copello love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.