NPI Operations Program Manager

Starkey Canada•Eden Prairie, MN

6d•$105,000 - $124,000•Onsite

About The Position

Starkey is hiring an NPI Operations Program Manager for its Operations team in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The role represents Operations on new product core teams and leads operational readiness from early product development through design transfer and post-launch. It ensures new products transition into manufacturing, satisfy customer and operational expectations, and launch with quality. The position leads a cross-functional Operations team spanning Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Planning, and Distribution, aligning stakeholders, removing barriers, and driving accountability throughout product development. The manager serves as a key liaison between R&D and Operations and is accountable for transfer activities required for commercialization, including DHR and DMR elements. The role coordinates demand, supply, and capacity planning for validation and launch readiness; manages product-transfer risks and issues; oversees readiness reviews; and communicates recommendations and actions to senior Operations leadership. It also guides product teams in avoiding or mitigating manufacturing challenges, makes risk and tradeoff recommendations, leads NPO process improvements, and directs manufacturing ramp-up to support adequate stock at product release. Starkey is a global manufacturer and distributor of hearing technologies. Founded in 1967, the company is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, has over 5,000 employees in 29 facilities, and operates in more than 100 markets. The position may require up to 10% travel during peak project activity.

Requirements

Minimum 15 years of experience in operations, manufacturing, process engineering, or a related field.
Minimum 10 years of work experience in a project-oriented environment.
Expertise in problem-solving and continuous-improvement tools and methodologies, such as Six Sigma, Lean, Kaizen, or comparable business systems.
Knowledge of ERP and PLM systems.
Willingness to work hands-on in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to work autonomously and prioritize multiple tasks without frequent direction.
Strong analytical skills.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Ability to influence peer behavior without a direct reporting relationship.

Nice To Haves

BS, BA, or similar degree emphasizing manufacturing, operations, or an equivalent field is desired.
Knowledge and experience in cGMP, ISO 13485, and FDA QMS.
Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

Responsibilities

Facilitate the successful transfer of products into operations.
Act as the key liaison between R&D and Operations.
Ensure completion of product commercialization transfer activities, including DHR and DMR elements.
Partner with Operations and Supply Chain teams to ensure demand, supply, and capacity plans meet validation and launch-readiness requirements.
Manage product-transfer risks and issues and implement preventive actions where possible.
Represent Operations as the accountable resource on new product core teams.
Work with product teams to complete Operations objectives and deliverables in accordance with required processes, procedures, and regulations.
Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to solve problems and implement solutions.
Oversee Operations readiness reviews and regularly communicate recommendations and actions to senior Operations leadership.
Influence and guide product teams to avoid or mitigate manufacturing-related challenges.
Analyze risks and tradeoffs and recommend appropriate paths forward for new products.
Recommend and execute process improvements for the New Product Operations team.
Suggest, lead, and execute solutions to NPO business issues and opportunities.
Identify barriers to progress and execute team plans for success in and outside of specific events.
Direct the manufacturing team in executing the ramp-up plan to ensure adequate stock on hand at release.
Apply critical thinking to resolve systemic issues across programs and improve the ability to release quality products on schedule.