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 by leading innovative projects and improving 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.
If you are interested in applying for this job, please make sure you meet the following requirements as listed below.
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 NPI in Portsmouth 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 the unique chance to influence strategy and deliver cutting-edge products to market.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of NPI in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. 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 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 show your genuine interest in 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 NPI in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of NPI role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've managed in the electronic manufacturing sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've driven innovation and excellence in previous roles, and don’t forget to mention your passion for continuous improvement!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role is technical, be sure to include your expertise in DFM, DFT, and DFA methodologies. Mention any Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma initiatives you've led, as these are key to our success at StudySmarter.
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 to shape the future of advanced electronic manufacturing with 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 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 specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and mentor the NPI Engineering team effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with various stakeholders, including customers and cross-functional teams. Highlight instances where your communication skills made a difference in project outcomes. This will illustrate your ability to serve as the primary technical interface during the NPI phase.
✨Metrics Matter
Familiarise yourself with key NPI metrics such as time to market, yield, and cost performance. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used these metrics to drive improvements in past projects. Showing that you understand how success is measured will resonate well with the interviewers.
