At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the NPI process from design to production, ensuring quality and efficiency.
- Company: Dynamic electronic manufacturing company focused on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Join a team that values continuous improvement and offers excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving new product introductions in a fast-paced industry.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in NPI and strong knowledge of electronic manufacturing processes.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
The Head of NPI Engineering is responsible for leading the end-to-end New Product Introduction (NPI) process within a high-mix, electronic manufacturing environment. This role ensures the seamless transition of products from design through to full-scale production, driving manufacturability, quality, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery. You will act as the key interface between customers, design engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Strategy
- Lead, develop, and mentor the NPI Engineering team
- Define and implement NPI strategy aligned with business objectives and customer requirements
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and engineering excellence
- New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Own the full NPI lifecycle from concept review to production release
- Ensure robust Design for Manufacture (DFM), Design for Test (DFT), and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles are applied
- Lead project planning, risk management, and resource allocation for all NPI activities
- Act as the primary escalation point for NPI-related issues
- Customer & Stakeholder Management
- Serve as the technical lead for customer engagements during the NPI phase
- Collaborate with customers on design optimisation, cost reduction, and manufacturability improvements
- Work cross-functionally with Quality, Supply Chain, Production, and Account Management teams
- Process & Production Readiness
- Ensure manufacturing processes, tooling, and test solutions are fully validated prior to production
- Oversee creation and approval of work instructions, process documentation, and control plans
- Drive First Article Inspection (FAI) and production readiness reviews
- Quality & Compliance
- Ensure all NPI activities meet regulatory, customer, and industry standards (e.g., IPC standards)
- Support root cause analysis and corrective actions during early production phases
- Partner with Quality teams to ensure smooth handover to steady-state production
- Continuous Improvement
- Analyse NPI performance metrics (e.g., time to market, yield, cost variance)
- Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimise processes
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- On-time NPI delivery
- First pass yield / early production yield
- Time to production release
- NPI cost vs. target
- Customer satisfaction during NPI phase
About you
- Proven leadership experience in NPI, manufacturing engineering, or operations within the electronic manufacturing (EMS) sector
- Strong knowledge of PCB assembly, box build, and electronic systems integration
- Deep understanding of DFM, DFT, and DFA principles
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Experience working directly with customers in a technical or engineering capacity
Head of NPI Engineering in Basingstoke employer: TechPoint
As the Head of NPI Engineering, you will join a forward-thinking company that prioritises innovation and excellence in electronic manufacturing. Our collaborative work culture fosters continuous improvement and professional growth, offering you the opportunity to lead a talented team while driving impactful projects from concept to production. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a dynamic environment where your contributions are valued, and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of NPI Engineering in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its NPI processes. We want you to show off your knowledge about their products and how you can contribute to their success!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of NPI Engineering. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨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 Engineering in Basingstoke
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 background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention specific examples that showcase your expertise.
Showcase Your Achievements:When filling out your application, be sure to include quantifiable achievements. Whether it's improving production efficiency or leading successful projects, we love to see numbers that demonstrate your impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at TechPoint
✨Know Your NPI Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of 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
As the Head of NPI Engineering, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on mentorship and driving a culture of continuous improvement. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a tangible difference in project outcomes.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since this role involves significant customer interaction, think about your experiences working with clients. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with customers on design optimisation and cost reduction. This will demonstrate your ability to manage relationships and drive results.
✨Metrics Matter
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators relevant to NPI, such as time to market and first pass yield. Be prepared to discuss how you've used metrics to analyse performance and implement improvements in previous roles. This shows that you’re data-driven and focused on achieving results.
