At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the NPI Engineering team and drive product launches in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation shaping the future of 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 on innovative products and lead a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in NPI, strong project management skills, and expertise in electronic manufacturing.
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 Performance Analysis employer: LDI Group
Join a dynamic and innovative team as the Head of Performance Analysis, where you will lead the New Product Introduction function in 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. With a focus on collaboration and customer engagement, you'll have the chance to make a significant impact while enjoying a supportive work culture that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Performance Analysis
✨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 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! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Performance Analysis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of NPI Engineering. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in NPI, manufacturing engineering, and operations.
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 your experience aligns with our goals. Don’t forget to mention specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise in driving successful product launches.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your technical prowess! Be sure to include details about your experience with DFM, DFT, and DFA methodologies, as well as any Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma initiatives you've led. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
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 Performance Analysis, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare to discuss how you've developed and mentored teams in previous roles. Think of specific instances where your leadership made a tangible difference in project outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in collaborating with various teams and customers. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve optimised designs for manufacturability and cost efficiency. This shows that you understand the importance of cross-functional teamwork in achieving successful product launches.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Discuss your experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives. Share examples of how you've driven efficiency and reduced waste in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to quality and operational excellence, which is key for this position.