NPD Project Manager

NPD Project Manager

Department: NPD

Experience: 5–10 Years

Qualification: B.E./B.Tech – Mechanical Engineering preferred

Location: Coimbatore

RoleWe are looking for an NPD Product Manager / Project Manager to manage new product development projects from customer requirement to successful production launch. The candidate will coordinate with customers and internal teams including Design, Foundry, Production, Quality, Purchase and Business Development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead NPD projects from RFQ/customer requirement through prototype, validation and SOP.
• Prepare project plans, timelines, milestones and regularly track progress.
• Coordinate with Design, Foundry, Machining, Production, Quality, Purchase and Tooling teams.
• Review customer drawings, specifications and technical requirements.
• Drive DFM, tooling, prototype development, trials and process validation.
• Coordinate customer sample submission, approvals and technical clarifications.
• Monitor project cost, quality, delivery and technical risks.
• Ensure drawings, BOMs, process documents and quality documents are completed before production launch.
• Review and approve drawings.
• Identify and resolve project delays and development issues.
• Provide regular NPD status updates to management.
• Support cost reduction and product improvement initiatives.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering and machine shop manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and understand GD&T.
• Knowledge of machining, casting, tooling and materials.
• Familiarity with FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP/APQP and quality systems.
• Strong project planning, follow-up and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and customer coordination skills.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and project management tools.
• Working knowledge of CAD/SolidWorks.

Preferred ExperienceExperience in industrial components, power transmission, construction equipment, material handling, elevators, pumps, compressors, machining or castings will be preferred.

Key KPIs

• On-time NPD completion
• Prototype and customer approval lead time
• Product cost vs. target
• First-time-right development
• NPD quality and rejection
• Successful transition from NPD to serial production
• Ideal candidate: A hands-on project owner who can coordinate across departments, solve technical issues and drive a product from customer requirement → development → approval → production.