New Product Development Manager

Job Description: Head – New Product Development (NPD)Position OverviewThe Head of New Product Development (NPD) will lead the end-to-end product development lifecycle—from concept to commercialization—ensuring alignment with customer requirements, cost targets, and manufacturing capabilities. The role demands strong technical expertise in forging and machining processes along with strategic leadership to drive innovation and business growth.

Key Responsibilities1. Product Development & Execution

• Lead complete NPD lifecycle: RFQ analysis → feasibility → design → prototyping → validation → PPAP → SOP.
• Drive development of components related to:
• Forged parts
• Precision machined components
• Gear systems (gear cutting & finishing)
• Welded assemblies
• Ensure adherence to customer timelines and APQP milestones.2. Technical Feasibility & Engineering
• Conduct feasibility studies considering:
• Forging design & die development
• Machining cycle time & process optimization
• Gear cutting parameters (hobbing, shaping, grinding)
• Welding processes (MIG/TIG/Spot)
• Collaborate with design and production teams for manufacturability (DFM/DFA).
• Optimize product design for cost, quality, and performance.3. Customer Interaction & Business Development
• Interface with OEM customers for new enquiries and technical discussions.
• Support costing and RFQ submissions with technical inputs.
• Participate in design reviews and customer audits.4. Cross-Functional Coordination
• Work closely with:
• Production
• Quality
• Tool Room
• Purchase & Supply Chain
• Ensure smooth transition from development to mass production.5. Process Development & Validation
• Establish robust manufacturing processes.
• Lead trials, pilot runs, and validation builds.
• Ensure documentation:
• Control Plans
• PFMEA
• Process Flow Diagrams
• Work Instructions6. Quality & Compliance
• Ensure compliance with automotive standards (IATF 16949).
• Drive PPAP submissions and approvals.
• Implement root cause analysis and corrective actions.7. Costing & Value Engineering
• Identify cost reduction opportunities through:
• Design optimization
• Alternate materials/processes
• Cycle time reduction
• Support localization and vendor development.8. Team Leadership
• Lead and mentor NPD, design, and process engineering teams.
• Build a high-performance, innovation-driven culture.Technical Skill RequirementsCore Manufacturing Expertise
• Forging processes (closed die, hot forging, die design basics)
• CNC machining (turning, milling, VMC/HMC operations)
• Gear manufacturing (hobbing, shaping, shaving, grinding)
• Grinding processes (Cylindrical, Surface, Gear grinding)
• Welding techniques (MIG, TIG, robotic welding preferred)Engineering & Design
• Strong understanding of GD&T and tolerance stack-up
• Hands-on experience with CAD tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Creo)
• Knowledge of simulation tools (preferred)Quality & Systems
• APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA
• Root cause analysis tools (8D, Why-Why, Fishbone)Costing & Process Optimization
• Knowledge of cost estimation for forged & machined parts
• Lean manufacturing & Six Sigma principlesEducational Qualification
• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (Mandatory)
• M.Tech or MBA (Operations/Strategy) – PreferredExperience
• 12–18 years in automotive/component manufacturing
• Minimum 5+ years in leadership role in NPD or Engineering
• Experience with OEM customers (e.g., automotive, tractor, off-highway)Key Competencies
• Strategic thinking with strong execution focus
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Strong customer handling and negotiation skills
• Leadership and team-building capability
• High ownership and accountabilityKPIs / Success Metrics
• On-time NPD project completion (% adherence to timeline)
• PPAP approval success rate
• Cost reduction / value engineering savings
• First-time-right development (minimal rework)
• Customer satisfaction score
• New business revenue contributionReporting Structure
• Reports to: Plant Head Operations
• Direct Reports: NPD Engineers