NPDI Prototyping Continuous Improvement Manager

Vertiv • Westerville, OH

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Global Product Development Office (GPDO) team’s mission is to continuously
develop and improve Vertiv’s Product Lifecycle Management processes, including
New Product Development and Introduction (NPDI), sustaining, and phase-out. The
NPDI Prototype Continuous Improvement Manager identifies and leads initiatives
that reduce prototype cycle time and improve prototype quality across
engineering prototypes, manufacturing prototypes, and pilot builds.

The NPDI Prototype Continuous Improvement Manager executes prototype process
improvements driven by operating model KPIs, leadership priorities, lessons
learned, lean workshops, and Kaizen events. The role applies lean principles to
reduce waste, standardize work through documented procedures, and support
adoption through communication and training.

The role supports on-the-job training for key NPDI process steps and drives
improvements across the development process. The manager may also support
Product Line Program Managers by documenting project critical paths,
benchmarking portfolio norms, and identifying root causes and corrective actions
for projects with high schedule slip and/or extended time-to-market (TTM).

This role partners closely with Product Line Program Managers, Engineering,
Advanced/Manufacturing Engineering, and Procurement to define critical-path
steps and sequencing, remove roadblocks, and deliver measurable prototype
process improvements.

The NPDI Prototype Continuous Improvement Manager will work closely with the
GPDO team and functions to implement necessary process improvements and actions.

Requirements

• BS in Engineering or a closely related field, or equivalent required
• 10+ years cumulative experience working in Operational Excellence and Continuous improvement, specifically in complex product development organizations – preferably ones with Phase Gate processes
• Strong communication skills to communicate effortlessly with PMO Leads and global functional leaders
• Be Self-Starter – be able to take high level instructions and convert them into comprehensive end to end action plans
• High self motivation, drive, and inquisitiveness to transform our business performance and strong curiosity and critical thinking skills to arrive to correct conclusions and drive proper countermeasures.
• Strong ability to summarize large amounts of information into clear and concise summaries for actioning
• Ability to take directions, lead ad-hoc teams, and drive for results
• High proficiency in MS Office is required (including Excel Pivot Tables)

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred but not required
• Design for Six Sigma / Lean Six Sigma / Design Thinking experience preferred
• Experience utilizing Google AppSheet is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement of NPDI prototype processes (engineering and manufacturing prototypes) to improve quality and reduce cycle time.
• Partner with Product Line development teams to identify root causes of process issues or schedule delays and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Report prototype process metrics, key insights, and improvement plans to senior leadership.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level