NPD Manager

Seaway Plastics•Vadnais Heights, MN

20h

About The Position

PURPOSE: This position will lead and manage the New Product Development (NPD) Program Managers and Manufacturing Engineering team to ensure that new projects including injection molds, secondary processes, assemblies, and qualifications to produce product to customer specifications.

Requirements

Demonstrates Seaway Plastics Core Values
We are customer focused.
We execute.
We win together.
We are respectful.
Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering or related field required.
Minimum 5 years’ experience in management motivates team to realize and exceed goals.
Intimate knowledge of program management; Project management Professional (PMP) Certification preferred or other project management certification preferred.
Strong knowledge of operations, including scheduling, procurement, and quality systems.
Strong knowledge of finance, including ability to read and understand financial data reports.
Strong knowledge of sales & marketing; strategic thinking, critical business, market, and technology
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to influence others internally and externally.
Demonstrated experience at implementing continuous improvement, lean or other process improvement techniques.
Strong change management skills and ability to lead and influence without direct authority.
Comprehensive skills using Microsoft Office programs, basic CAD knowledge (Solid Works or Creo is a plus), and the ability to understand specialized programs used in custom equipment.
Accomplishes strategic objectives by managing and maintaining multiple project activities.
Well organized and goal orientated.
Valid identification and the ability to legally work in the United States.
Travel +/- 15%

Nice To Haves

Experience in contract manufacturing and/or injection molding preferred.
Experience within an ISO 13485 registered manufacturing facility is preferred.
Strong knowledge of Agile or Scrum project management preferred.
Experience with secondary operations such as sonic welding, heat staking, pick and place, pad printing, light assembly, and automation preferred.
Experience with Lean concepts such as value stream mapping, single piece flow, poke yoke, etc.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate the NPD program team and Manufacturing Engineers
Support management, estimating, and sales team to identify key growth opportunities.
Collaborate with other departments such as Tooling, Production, and Quality to ensure NPD programs stay on track for on time completion.
Ensures all engineering projects, initiatives, and processes are in accordance with Seaway’s goals and objectives.
Oversees and enforces engineering departments infrastructure, procedures, and policies.
Plans and directs all program managers working on specific projects to meet customer deadlines.
Ensure team is suitably balanced for increasing growth; implement individual development plans.
Oversee daily workflow of the department and create and track KPI’s for the NPD process.
Ensure elevated levels of customer engagement and coach team to provide excellent customer service and support through the NPD process.
Collaborate with management; prepare and execute department budget and ensure the engineering team has sufficient staff and resources to support NPD programs required to achieve company goals.
Propose and execute continuous improvement projects to reduce costs and improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
Identify and implement future technology and automation improvements within manufacturing processes.
Customer interactions and follow-up on new business development/opportunities
Develop and maintain a culture that recognizes employee contributions and encourages participation in improving the performance and success of the company.
Collaborate with and support other company manufacturing sites/divisions.
Conduct annual performance reviews and recommend merit increases.
Coach and mentor team members for personal development and continuous improvement.
Maintain a culture of employee engagement and maintain an environment that preserves the safety and well-being of all employees.
Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, performance, and evaluation for your team.
Responsible for the supervisory activities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
Responsibilities include meeting company goals and metrics, interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; rewarding and disciplining employees.
New business customer development
Establish project outline and scope of project.
Lead and manage NPD team.
Negotiate timing.
Project updates, complete management of all assigned projects; start to finish.