Position DescriptionAt a GlanceLegrand has an exciting opportunity for a
NPI Manager to join the
Starline Team in
Canonsburg, PA. Reporting to the Global Manufacturing and Operational Excellence Director, the New Product Introduction (NPI) Manager will lead the successful transition of new products from development into manufacturing. This critical role acts as a bridge between engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure new products are launched on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards for our locations across the global. This position will be responsible for driving process readiness, risk mitigation, and cross-functional alignment. Travel will be required up to 15% in this role.
What Will You Do?- Lead cross-functional NPI project teams to plan and execute new product launches, ensuring readiness across design, engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and quality.
- Lead, coach, and develop direct report(s), setting clear priorities, driving accountability, and building capability to support successful execution of NPI initiatives and broader team objectives.
- Own and manage the NPI stage-gate processes, ensuring alignment on timelines and deliverables for new product introduction (NPI) projects.
- Collaborate closely with R&D/Product Engineering to ensure manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and scalability of new designs.
- Develop and implement NPI project plans, including build schedules, pilot runs, process validations, and documentation.
- Lead and oversee activities such as time studies, ergonomic assessments, and line balancing initiatives to optimize labor efficiency and support production readiness. Provide guidance and support to the teams where needed.
- Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to design transfer, supply readiness, production tooling, and process capability.
- Support development and optimization of manufacturing process by coordinating factory readiness activities including equipment installation, training, work instructions, and first article inspections (FAI).
- Partner with Procurement and Suppliers to ensure timely sourcing and delivery of critical components.
- Monitor and report NPI project KPIs including cost, schedule, yield, and quality performance.
- Lead continuous improvement of NPI processes, tools, and templates for increased efficiency and scalability.
- Lead post-launch reviews and implement lessons learned for future product introductions.
- Performs other duties as required.
QualificationsEducation: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
Experience:- Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in NPI, manufacturing engineering, or product development, with at least 2 years in a formal NPI leadership role managing a team of engineers and/or PM professionals.
- Track record of demonstrated experience in product lifecycle management tools and platforms
- Strong background in lean product development and Six Sigma methodologies desired. Proven strategic leader able to drive alignment across business need and technical feasibility.
- Experience managing new product launches and building multi-year NPI roadmaps
- Certification in PMP or Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
- Experience in configured to order/high mix businesses preferred
Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:- Strong understanding of product development lifecycles, DFM/DFMEA principles, and manufacturing processes.
- Proven track record of successfully launching new products in complex manufacturing environments.
- Experience with ERP systems; proficiency with project management tools (i.e. MS Project, Smartsheet).
- Excellent project management and leadership skills - ability to set a clear vision, align teams, and drive execution under ambiguity; effective at influencing without direct authority.
- Demonstrated people leadership capability, including the ability to coach and develop team members, set clear expectations, drive accountability, and foster a high-performance, collaborative team environment.
- High level of presentation skills.
- Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills; can driving change across departments.
- Player/coach mentality; fosters high trust environments.
- Ability to make timely decisions with limited data. Holds self and others accountable to high standards.
- Willing to travel both domestic and internationally approximately 15%
