At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the NPI Engineering team and drive 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: Exciting opportunity with a focus on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while leading innovative engineering projects.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in NPI, strong expertise in PCB assembly, and project management skills.
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
About You
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
Success in This Role Will Be Measured By
- 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
Why Join Us?
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 Machining (Permanent) 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 operational performance 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 Machining (Permanent)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local 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 culture. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience in NPI and manufacturing excellence. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the right choice for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Machining (Permanent)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of NPI Engineering role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've managed in electronic manufacturing. 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 explain why you're passionate about NPI and how your experience can drive innovation at StudySmarter. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise in DFM, DFT, and Lean Manufacturing. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible to show your impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
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 these will be crucial in your discussions. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led NPI projects in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of NPI Engineering, leadership is key. Prepare to discuss your experience in mentoring teams and driving a culture of continuous improvement. Think of specific instances where your leadership made a difference in project outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams and customers. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve optimised designs for manufacturability and cost efficiency. This shows you understand the importance of collaboration in achieving successful product launches.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to PCB assembly, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma principles. Brush up on these topics and think of real-world applications. Demonstrating your technical expertise will help build confidence in your capabilities.
