At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects from concept to launch, managing timelines and resources.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on new product introductions in a fast-paced environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible 6-month contract with a negotiable rate.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of product innovation and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business; project management experience preferred.
- Other info: Sponsorship is not available; must be eligible to work in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Oxfordshire & Warwickshire
6-month Contract
Rate: Negotiable
Job Summary:
We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Project Manager – New Product Introduction (NPI) to lead cross-functional teams in bringing innovative products from concept to launch. This role plays a critical part in managing timelines, resources, and deliverables to ensure successful introduction of new products into manufacturing and market readiness. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management, product development, and cross-functional coordination in a fast-paced, technical environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage NPI projects from concept through design, development, validation, pilot build, and production ramp-up.
- Define project scope, goals, success metrics, schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, marketing, and finance teams.
- Coordinate Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Test (DFT), and Design Verification Test (DVT) activities.
- Facilitate product readiness for production, including manufacturing line setup, tooling, supplier readiness, and process validation.
- Monitor project risks, issues, and changes, ensuring mitigation plans are implemented as needed.
- Conduct regular project status meetings, prepare progress reports, and communicate with stakeholders at all levels.
- Manage phase-gate reviews and ensure compliance with internal product development processes and industry standards.
- Support cost, quality, and timeline targets by balancing trade-offs and proactively addressing bottlenecks.
- Ensure a smooth handoff from development to production and support early production runs.
Skills required:
- Proven track record of successfully launching new products on time and within budget.
- Strong knowledge of product development lifecycle and NPI methodologies (Gateway, Agile, APQP).
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Proficient in project management tools such as MS Project, Jira, Polarion or JAMA.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
- Excellent project management experience in new product introduction, preferably in a manufacturing, automotive, medical device, or high-tech environment.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with PLM/ERP systems (e.g., Agile, Siemens, TeamCentre).
- Familiarity with regulatory and quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949).
- Experience working with global teams and external suppliers or contract manufacturers.
- Technical background in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering is a plus.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, or related field (Master’s or PMP certification a plus).
If you are interested in hearing more about the opportunities, please apply now, by sending your CV.
Eligibility: Sponsorship is not offered, and you must be eligible to work in the UK.
Project Manager (NPI) employer: RLE International
Contact Detail:
RLE International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager (NPI)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the New Product Introduction (NPI) methodologies mentioned in the job description, such as Gateway, Agile, and APQP. Understanding these frameworks will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the project management and product development fields, especially those who have experience in manufacturing or high-tech environments. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams and launched products on time and within budget. Highlighting your past achievements will showcase your capability to handle the responsibilities of this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter and our values, as well as the specific projects we are involved in. Tailoring your conversation to align with our mission can make a strong impression during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager (NPI)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in project management and new product introduction. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage timelines effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for product development and your understanding of the NPI process. Mention how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your proficiency in project management tools like MS Project or Jira, as well as your knowledge of methodologies such as Agile or APQP. This will show that you are well-equipped for the role.
Showcase Your Achievements: Include quantifiable achievements in your application, such as successful product launches or improvements in project efficiency. This will help demonstrate your track record of delivering results on time and within budget.
How to prepare for a job interview at RLE International
✨Showcase Your Project Management Experience
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of projects you've managed, particularly those involving new product introductions. Highlight your role in leading cross-functional teams and how you ensured projects were delivered on time and within budget.
✨Understand NPI Methodologies
Familiarise yourself with various NPI methodologies such as Gateway, Agile, and APQP. Be ready to explain how you've applied these methodologies in past projects and how they contributed to successful product launches.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in project management. Prepare to discuss how you've facilitated collaboration among different teams and communicated project status to stakeholders at all levels. Use examples to illustrate your points.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the role, brush up on relevant engineering concepts and standards, especially if you have a background in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to product development and manufacturing processes.