At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the NPI Engineering team and drive innovative product launches in electronic manufacturing.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation shaping the future of advanced electronic manufacturing.
- Benefits: Autonomy to influence strategy, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and engineering excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading cutting-edge projects and driving manufacturing excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in NPI, strong project management skills, and expertise in electronic systems.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of NPI Engineering to lead the end-to-end New Product Introduction (NPI) function within a fast-paced, high-mix electronic manufacturing environment. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring the seamless transition of products from design through to full-scale production — delivering excellence in manufacturability, quality, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery.
As the technical lead for NPI, you will work closely with customers, design engineering, supply chain, quality, and manufacturing teams to drive successful product launches and operational performance.
Key Responsibilities- Leadership & Strategy
- Lead, develop, and mentor the NPI Engineering team
- Define and implement NPI strategies aligned with business objectives and customer expectations
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and engineering excellence
- New Product Introduction
- Own the complete NPI lifecycle from concept review through to production release
- Ensure robust DFM, DFT, and DFA principles are embedded throughout the process
- Lead project planning, resource allocation, and risk management across multiple NPI programmes
- Act as the escalation point for all NPI-related technical and operational issues
- Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the primary technical interface for customers during the NPI phase
- Collaborate with customers to optimise design, manufacturability, and cost efficiency
- Work cross-functionally with Quality, Supply Chain, Production, and Account Management teams
- Process & Production Readiness
- Ensure manufacturing processes, tooling, and test solutions are validated before production launch
- Oversee the creation and approval of work instructions, process documentation, and control plans
- Lead First Article Inspection (FAI) and production readiness reviews
- Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, customer, and industry standards, including IPC standards
- Support root cause analysis and corrective actions during early production phases
- Drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste
- Analyse key NPI metrics including time to market, yield, and cost performance
You will bring:
- Proven leadership experience within NPI, Manufacturing Engineering, or Operations in the EMS/electronic manufacturing sector
- Strong expertise in PCB assembly, box build, and electronic systems integration
- Deep understanding of DFM, DFT, and DFA methodologies
- Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex programmes simultaneously
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Experience working directly with customers in a technical or engineering capacity
- On-time NPI delivery
- First pass and early production yield performance
- Time to production release
- NPI cost performance versus target
- Customer satisfaction throughout the NPI lifecycle
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of advanced electronic manufacturing within a collaborative and forward-thinking organisation. You'll have the autonomy to drive improvements, influence strategy, and lead a high-performing engineering team delivering cutting-edge products to market.
Head of NPI in Hampshire employer: LDI Group
Join a dynamic and innovative team as the Head of NPI Engineering, where you will lead the charge in transforming product ideas into reality within a fast-paced electronic manufacturing environment. Our company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and engineering excellence, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development while ensuring a collaborative work atmosphere that values your contributions. With a focus on driving manufacturing excellence and customer satisfaction, this role provides a unique chance to make a significant impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of NPI in Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want you to show them you’re genuinely interested in their work. Tailor your answers to highlight how your experience aligns with their NPI goals and manufacturing excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. We suggest focusing on your leadership experience and how you’ve driven successful product launches in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. We recommend reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their NPI success.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of NPI in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of NPI role. Highlight your experience in NPI, manufacturing engineering, and any relevant leadership roles. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about NPI and how you can drive innovation and excellence. Be sure to mention specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills:Since this role involves managing multiple complex programmes, make sure to highlight your project management experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led projects from concept to production, focusing on outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at LDI Group
✨Know Your NPI Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the New Product Introduction process. Brush up on DFM, DFT, and DFA principles, as well as Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the terms, but you can apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in previous roles, especially in high-pressure environments. Think about times when you’ve mentored others or driven a culture of continuous improvement. This is your chance to demonstrate your leadership style and how it aligns with the company’s values.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with various teams, including design engineering, supply chain, and quality assurance. Highlight specific instances where your communication skills helped resolve issues or improve processes. This will illustrate your ability to be the primary technical interface during the NPI phase.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to PCB assembly, box build, and electronic systems integration. Brush up on your project management skills too, as you may be asked how you manage multiple complex programmes. Having concrete examples and metrics to back up your answers will make a strong impression.
