Head New Product Development

Position: Head New Product Development (NPD)
Department: New Product Development / Engineering
Location: Mumbai
Industry: Cable & Wiring Harness / Automotive / Manufacturing
Experience: 14 to 22 Years
Qualification: B.E./B.Tech in Electrical / Electronics / Mechanical / related Engineering discipline
Salary: As per market standards

Job Summary :

We are looking for an experienced and result-oriented Head NPD to lead the New Product Development function for our Cable & Wiring Harness business. The role will be responsible for managing the complete product development lifecycle, from customer requirements and concept development through validation, PPAP, product industrialization, and successful production launch.

The ideal candidate should have strong experience in Automotive Wiring Harness / Cable / Electrical Components manufacturing, excellent project management capabilities, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities :

1. New Product Development

• Lead the complete NPD lifecycle from RFQ/customer requirement to successful product launch.
• Review customer specifications, drawings, technical requirements, and feasibility.
• Develop and implement NPD strategies aligned with business and customer requirements.
• Ensure timely completion of product development milestones and project deliverables.
• Drive design optimization, product improvement, and value engineering initiatives.

2. Customer & Project Management

• Act as a key technical interface with customers for new product development projects.
• Understand customer requirements and ensure timely resolution of technical issues.
• Coordinate with customers for drawings, specifications, engineering changes, samples, approvals, and PPAP.
• Monitor project timelines, risks, deliverables, and escalation points.

3. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Design, Engineering, Quality, PPIC, Purchase, Production, Tooling, Maintenance, Sales, and SCM teams.
• Lead cross-functional project review meetings and track action items.
• Ensure smooth handover of new products from NPD to mass production.
• Coordinate with suppliers for development of components, tools, dies, fixtures, and other requirements.

4. APQP / PPAP & Product Validation

• Drive APQP activities and ensure adherence to customer-specific requirements.
• Review and monitor PPAP, FMEA, Control Plan, MSA, SPC, Process Flow, DVP&R, and related documentation.
• Ensure product validation and testing are completed as per customer and internal standards.
• Coordinate prototype, sample, trial, validation, and pre-production activities.

5. Cost Optimization & Productivity

• Drive product cost reduction and value engineering initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for material optimization, process improvement, and productivity enhancement.
• Work with Purchase and Engineering teams for alternate components and cost-effective solutions.
• Ensure development projects meet targeted cost, quality, and delivery requirements.

6. Engineering Change Management

• Manage engineering changes and ensure proper implementation across relevant functions.
• Review ECNs/ECRs and assess their impact on cost, quality, tooling, inventory, and production.
• Ensure all technical documents and BOMs are updated and controlled.

7. Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the NPD engineering team.
• Define responsibilities, objectives, KPIs, and performance expectations for the team.
• Build a strong technical and project-oriented NPD culture.
• Develop talent and succession plans within the NPD function.

8. Process Improvement & Compliance

• Drive continuous improvement in NPD processes, development lead time, quality, and productivity.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, customer requirements, and applicable industry standards.
• Promote best practices in product development, engineering, and project management.

Key Skills Required :

• Strong knowledge of Wiring Harness / Cable Product Development
• Customer handling and technical communication
• NPD project management
• APQP & PPAP
• DFMEA / PFMEA
• Engineering Change Management
• BOM and drawing interpretation
• Cost reduction & value engineering
• Product validation and testing
• Supplier development
• Cross-functional team management
• Leadership and people management
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong communication and negotiation skills

Preferred Industry Experience :

Candidates from the following industries will be preferred:

• Automotive Wiring Harness
• Automotive Components
• Cable & Wire Manufacturing
• Electrical / Electronics Components
• Auto Electrical Components
• Engineering / Manufacturing

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• New Product Development timelines
• Successful product launches
• PPAP approval timelines
• Development cost and product cost targets
• Customer satisfaction
• Development quality / rejection levels
• Engineering change implementation
• Cost reduction / value engineering
• NPD team productivity and performance

Candidate Profile

• 1422 years of relevant experience, preferably in NPD / Product Development / Engineering.
• Strong experience in Cable and/or Automotive Wiring Harness product development.
• Proven experience in handling customer-driven development projects.
• Should have strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Should be capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and delivering within defined timelines.