NPI Operations Program Manager

Starkey•Eden Prairie, MN

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Starkey is hiring an NPI Operations Program Manager for its Operations team in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The role leads operational readiness from early product development through design transfer and post-launch, helping ensure new products transition successfully into manufacturing and meet customer and operational expectations with high quality. The manager serves as the accountable Operations representative on new product core teams and leads a cross-functional group spanning Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Planning, and Distribution. The position facilitates product transfers, coordinates readiness and launch activities, manages transfer risks and issues, and works with R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, and senior Operations leadership to resolve challenges and improve new product operations. The position may require up to 10% travel during peak project activity. Starkey is a global manufacturer and distributor of hearing technologies, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded in 1967, the company has over 5,000 employees across 29 facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide. The target salary is $105,000 to $124,000 per year. Benefits, subject to eligibility requirements, include medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan with company match; company-paid life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; an employee assistance program; hearing aid benefits; paid time off; paid sick time; and paid holidays. The position is eligible for a performance-based bonus, with no guaranteed payout.

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, and 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 peers and change behavior without a direct reporting relationship.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Facilitate the successful transfer of products into Operations.
Act as the key liaison between R&D and Operations.
Account for completion of transfer activities required for product commercialization, including DHR and DMR elements.
Partner with Operations and Supply Chain to ensure demand, supply, and capacity plans meet validation and launch-readiness requirements.
Manage Operations risks and issues related to product transfer and implement preventative actions where possible.
Represent Operations as the accountable resource on new product core teams.
Work with product teams to deliver 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 trade-offs and recommend an appropriate path forward for new products.
Recommend and execute process improvements for the New Product Operations team.
Suggest, lead, and execute solutions to business issues and opportunities related to New Product Operations.
Identify barriers to progress and execute team plans for success, including during and outside specific events.
Direct the manufacturing team in executing the ramp-up plan to ensure adequate stock is available at release.
Apply critical thinking to resolve recurring systemic issues and improve the ability to release quality products on schedule.