Associate manager - New Product Development

Position: Associate Manager – New Product Development (NPD)

Location: Mumbai Experience: 3–8 years

Qualification: Bachelor's degree in engineering / Product Design / Industrial Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / MBA (Preferred)

Key Responsibilities:

• Support new product development activities from concept to commercialization, ensuring timely execution of development milestones. • Prepare, maintain, and update Bill of Materials (BOM) accurately in ERP systems and Excel throughout the product development lifecycle. • Coordinate with suppliers and vendors for raw material development, sampling, testing, approvals, and timely availability. • Prepare preliminary product costing, maintain cost sheets, and support cost optimization initiatives during development. • Coordinate sample development activities and ensure timely preparation and dispatch of development samples to the Design and Marketing teams. • Maintain and manage development documentation, including CAD files, raw material specifications, SOPs, technical drawings, and product development records. • Work closely with Design, Marketing, Production/Sourcing, Quality Assurance, and vendors to ensure seamless cross-functional coordination. • Support pilot production trials, validate product performance, record observations, and drive corrective actions where required. • Track project timelines, monitor development milestones, and proactively follow up with internal and external stakeholders to ensure on-time project completion. • Assist in identifying and resolving product development and quality issues prior to Start of Production (SOP). • Coordinate with vendors for tooling development, raw material availability, sample submissions, and development progress. • Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly MIS reports, project status updates, and development dashboards for management review. • Ensure compliance with company quality standards, product specifications, and development processes.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Product Design, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline. MBA is preferred. • 4–8 years of experience in New Product Development (NPD), Product Development, or Engineering within consumer durables, luggage, plastics, accessories, or manufacturing industries. • Strong understanding of product development processes from concept through production. • Experience in BOM preparation and maintenance using ERP systems and Microsoft Excel. • Knowledge of product costing methodologies and cost sheet preparation. • Exposure to raw material development, vendor management, and sample development processes. • Familiarity with CAD drawings, engineering documentation, technical specifications, and SOP preparation. • Experience in coordinating pilot production trials and product validation activities. • Strong project coordination, stakeholder management, and follow-up skills. • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and ERP systems. • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Competencies:

• Strong attention to detail with excellent documentation skills.

• Ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

• Strong cross-functional collaboration and vendor management capabilities.

• Process-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and product quality.

• Proactive approach to problem-solving and driving development milestones.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.