Senior New Product Introduction Manager (Engineering)

Frontier Recruitment is delighted to be partnering with a leading Defence engineering and manufacturing organisation to recruit an experienced NPI (New Product Introduction) Engineering Manager . This is a fantastic opportunity to join an innovative business in a high-impact leadership role, driving the successful transition of cutting‑edge electronic products from R&D through to full-scale manufacturing.

Working at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, you'll lead cross‑functional teams, shape manufacturing strategy, and play a pivotal role in delivering complex products within a highly regulated environment.

Due to the nature of work and industry, candidates will be required to be eligible for SC Clearance .

The Role

As the Senior NPI Manager, you will be responsible for leading the industrialisation of new products, ensuring a smooth transition from concept through to production while meeting quality, cost, and delivery objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a cross‑functional team of manufacturing and process engineers, taking products from RFQ and concept through to full production handover.
• Manage products through formal stage‑gate processes, including AS9145/APQP methodologies.
• Champion Design for Manufacturability (DfM), Design for Testability (DfT), and Design for Cost (DfC) principles.
• Drive Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) assessments and oversee Production Readiness Reviews.
• Conduct PFMEA, FMEA, and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) activities to identify and mitigate manufacturing risks.
• Collaborate closely with Procurement and external suppliers to ensure component availability and manufacturing capability.
• Develop manufacturing plans, tooling strategies, work instructions, and production processes.
• Establish and manage project baselines covering cost, schedule, quality, and scope, providing regular updates to senior stakeholders.
• Chair NPI Gate Reviews, Design Reviews, and Production Readiness Reviews.
• Coordinate activities across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and Programme Management to ensure successful product launches.

About You

We're looking for an experienced engineering leader with a strong background in new product introduction within a highly regulated manufacturing environment.

You’ll ideally have:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical, Electronic, Manufacturing, or a related Engineering discipline.
• Significant experience within manufacturing, including at least 2–3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Excellent understanding of electronics manufacturing, including PCBA, SMT, CCA, and microelectronics assembly.
• Experience using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.) and PLM software.
• Strong knowledge of PFMEA, RCCA, automated test equipment (ATE), and quality improvement techniques.
• The ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience with advanced manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, automation, welding, heat treatment, or electronics assembly.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies such as PRINCE2 or PMP and associated planning tools including MS Project or Smartsheet.
• Ideally you'll have experience within Aerospace, Defence, Space, or another highly regulated industry, with an understanding of AS9100, AS9145 (APQP/PPAP), J-STD-001, and associated quality standards.
• The ability to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC) or equivalent.

What's on Offer

Our client is offering an excellent salary and comprehensive benefits package, including bonus, car allowance and excellent pension package. Together with the opportunity to work on technically challenging programmes within a growing and innovative organisation.

Relocation support is available, and applications are welcomed from candidates looking to relocate for the right opportunity.

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