Project Manager – New Product Introduction

Project Manager – New Product Introduction
Location: Southampton, Hampshire
Salary: £45,000 - £52,000

Are you an experienced Project Manager with a background in high-tech development or manufacturing? Are you ready to take on a pivotal role in driving the implementation of innovative technologies?

We are seeking a skilled and driven professional to lead New Product Introductions (NPI) through the entire product development lifecycle, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and stakeholder needs.

About the Role
This role is crucial to our growth and success as we introduce key new products to the market. You will be responsible for ensuring the seamless execution of NPIs, managing cross-functional collaboration, and maintaining alignment with business objectives.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Responsible for execution of the full product development lifecycle for NPI (New Product Introductions), in conjunction with Product Line Technical Leads and according to the strategic plan.
• Coordinate cross-functional project planning, project tracking, and cost management.
• Provide program and project structure to enable effective communication of ownership, deliverables, and status.
• Act as program/project lead (key contact) with responsibility for providing timely and accurate project status updates to the business.
• Report NPI project progress to senior management against KPIs.
• Provide cost tracking and financial analysis of the project.
• Obtain buy-in and coordinate with stakeholders across the business, overseeing implementation of the project deliverables.
• Lead planning activities to generate project schedules and associated work packages to enable successful implementation of projects.
• Identify and manage project risks.
• Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation.
• Utilise digital systems for task management and tracking.

Required Experience:

• At least 3 years of experience in project management roles within a high-tech development/manufacturing industry, ideally in a complex optical component manufacturing environment (not essential).
• Experience delivering large-scale and complex NPI into lean manufacturing environments with cross-functional project teams.

The successful candidate will also demonstrate experience in:

• Innovative and flexible project management methodologies.
• Developing and following NPI processes and documentation to high standards.

About You
We’re looking for someone with:

• The ability to coordinate, influence, and motivate team members across disciplines without direct reporting line responsibility.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving, with the initiative to develop innovative solutions.
• Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work calmly under pressure.

Qualifications:

• A STEM degree is preferable but not essential.
• Awareness of project management methodologies and tools to manage multiple tasks.
• Excellent IT skills, with experience using Microsoft Project and Jira strongly preferred.

Why Join Us?
This is a fantastic opportunity to play a critical role in bringing innovative products to market within a global, forward-thinking organisation. If you’re a proactive and dynamic Project Manager looking for your next challenge, we’d love to hear from you.

How to Apply:
Submit your CV and cover letter for our review and consideration.