Deputy Manager – New Product Development (NPD)

Position Overview

• The Deputy Manager – NPD will be responsible for managing the end-to-end New Product Development lifecycle, starting from RFQ and feasibility through APQP, product development, PPAP approval and successful SOP/production launch.
• The position requires strong experience in the automotive industry, particularly in an IATF 16949 environment, along with hands-on experience in PLM systems. The incumbent will work closely with cross-functional teams and customers to ensure timely, cost-effective and successful product development.

1. RFQ & Feasibility
• Review customer RFQs and coordinate technical feasibility.
• Coordinate with relevant functions for feasibility, costing and development timelines.
• Support preparation of techno-commercial proposals.
• Identify technical, manufacturing and development-related risks at the RFQ stage.

2. New Product Development
• Lead the complete NPD lifecycle from RFQ to SOP.
• Prepare and monitor product development plans and timelines.
• Track APQP activities and ensure timely completion of milestones.
• Manage product development activities through the PLM system.
• Ensure timely closure of development-related issues.

3. DFMA & Design for Manufacturability
• Drive DFMA activities through the NPD team.
• Ensure products are developed considering manufacturability, quality and cost.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization and process improvement.
• Ensure proper management and control of product/design data through PLM.

4. APQP & PPAP
• Lead and execute APQP activities as per customer and organizational requirements.
• Prepare, review and coordinate PPAP documentation.
• Ensure completion of DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plan, MSA, SPC and process-related documentation.
• Ensure PPAP submission and approval within agreed timelines.
• Maintain all relevant NPD and PPAP documentation in the PLM system.

5. Cross-Functional Coordination
• Coordinate closely with Production, Quality, Tooling, Vendors and other relevant functions.
• Ensure timely resolution of development issues.
• Ensure manufacturing, quality and process readiness before SOP.

6. SOP & Production Launch
• Ensure complete readiness for SOP.
• Coordinate with Production, Quality, Tooling and other functions for smooth product launch.
• Monitor launch activities and address issues affecting production readiness.
• Ensure successful transition from development to regular production.

7. Customer Interaction
• Handle technical discussions with customers during product development.
• Provide regular development updates to customers.
• Coordinate customer requirements, technical clarifications, trials, submissions and approvals.
• Support resolution of customer-related technical issues during NPD.

8. Team Management
• Lead and manage a team of approximately 6–8 NPD members.
• Allocate responsibilities and monitor individual/team performance.
• Guide and mentor team members on NPD, APQP and PPAP activities.
• Ensure timely completion of assigned development activities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time PPAP submission and approval.
• Adherence to NPD/APQP development timelines.
• Successful SOP and production launch.
• PLM system discipline and documentation.
• Timely closure of development issues.
• Product manufacturability and cost optimization.
• Customer satisfaction and technical response time.

Educational Qualification

• B.Tech / B.E. in Mechanical Engineering or Production Engineering.
Experience
• 8–12 years of relevant experience in Automotive New Product Development (NPD).
• Experience in an IATF 16949 environment is mandatory.
• Strong hands-on experience in PLM systems is mandatory.

Technical Skills

• APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plan, MSA, SPC, DFMA.
• Product/Process Development, PLM Systems and Manufacturing Knowledge.
• Automotive NPD Processes.

Behavioural & Leadership Competencies

• Strong ownership and accountability.
• Result-oriented approach.
• Process-driven mindset.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and coordination skills.
• Team leadership and people-management capability.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and customers.