NPI Planning Manager
New Product Planning Manager
Location: North of Boston, MA
Company Overview
They are a global leader in advanced testing and automation solutions, supporting next-generation technologies across a wide range of industries. Their solutions help ensure electronic products function reliably and enable manufacturers to bring products to market efficiently and cost-effectively.
Opportunity Overview
The New Product Planning Manager is a key role supporting successful new product introductions (NPI). This position leads planning and procurement strategies from early prototype stages through full production release.
You'll partner closely with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and global manufacturing teams to drive material readiness, align suppliers, and ensure program milestones are met. This role is critical in building scalable processes, mitigating supply risks, and supporting complex electro-mechanical and PCBA-based product environments.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of planners and buyers
- Set priorities, allocate workloads, and ensure alignment with program goals
- Provide coaching, feedback, and performance management
NPI Material Planning & Procurement
- Oversee multi-level BOM planning for complex electro-mechanical and PCBA products
- Ensure materials are available for prototype, pilot, and production builds
- Manage sourcing and procurement for prototype materials
- Evaluate and approve risk buys, lead times, and inventory strategies
- Collaborate with PCB/PCBA suppliers to manage long-lead components and mitigate shortages
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Engineering on product structure, materials, and make vs. buy decisions
- Work with manufacturing teams and external partners to ensure build readiness
- Communicate material status, risks, and mitigation plans to leadership
Supplier & Manufacturing Partner Management
- Manage relationships with global suppliers and contract manufacturers
- Address quality issues, returns, rework, and engineering changes
- Support transition of planning activities to manufacturing partners as products mature
Process & Systems
- Ensure accurate execution of planning activities within ERP/MRP systems
- Drive process improvements related to planning accuracy and efficiency
- Maintain compliance with internal policies and supply chain standards
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- ~10+ years of overall experience
- 5+ years in supply chain, material planning, or procurement within manufacturing or NPI environments
- Experience with electro-mechanical products and PCBA manufacturing
- Strong ERP/MRP system knowledge and advanced Excel skills
- Proven leadership or cross-functional project experience
- Experience working with global suppliers and contract manufacturers
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-mix, low-volume environment
- Experience supporting prototype builds, production ramp, and managing long-lead risks preferred
- Ability to travel up to ~10%
FAQs
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