Manager- Npd

Key Responsibilities:

1. Product Concept & Design

• Identify market trends, customer needs, and competitor products to generate new product ideas.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to define product requirements and specifications.
• Oversee product design, prototyping, and CAD modeling for faucets, mixers, sanitaryware, and allied accessories.

2. Project Management

• Prepare and manage the NPD roadmap aligned with business objectives.
• Define project timelines, budgets, and resources for product development.
• Ensure timely execution of projects from concept to commercial launch.

3. Material & Technology Development

• Evaluate and recommend suitable raw materials, finishes, and technologies for durability, aesthetics, and cost competitiveness.
• Work with suppliers to develop new components, casting/moulding techniques, and surface finishes (chrome plating, PVD, powder coating, etc.).
• Explore opportunities in eco-friendly materials and water-saving technologies.

4. Cross-functional Coordination

• Work with production, tooling, and maintenance teams for mold/die development and manufacturability.
• Coordinate with purchase and vendors for prototype samples, raw materials, and outsourcing needs.
• Collaborate with quality assurance to ensure compliance with ISI, ISO, and international standards.

5. Testing & Validation

• Oversee product testing for performance, durability, and compliance with water flow, leakage, pressure, and corrosion resistance standards.
• Approve pilot batches before commercial production.
• Implement corrective actions based on test results and field feedback.

6. Costing & Value Engineering

• Conduct product costing and ensure adherence to target cost without compromising quality.
• Drive value engineering initiatives to optimize material usage and reduce costs.
• Ensure competitive pricing in line with market benchmarks.

7. Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain design files, BOMs (Bill of Materials), process sheets, and technical specifications.
• Ensure products comply with BIS, ISO, WRAS, UPC, or other regulatory certifications applicable to sanitaryware and faucets.

8. Team Management & Innovation

• Lead a team of designers, engineers, and technicians.
• Foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor and upskill team members in modern design and manufacturing practices.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of faucet, brass casting, ceramic, and sanitaryware manufacturing processes (forging, die-casting, CNC machining, plating, polishing, etc.).
• Expertise in CAD/3D design software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Creo, etc.).
• Good understanding of product testing standards and certification requirements.
• Project management, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong vendor development and coordination skills.
• Innovative mindset with a focus on design aesthetics, ergonomics, and sustainability.

Educational Qualification:

• B.Tech / BE in Mechanical / Industrial / Production Engineering (preferred).
• Diploma in Product/Industrial Design (added advantage).
• MBA (Operations/Marketing) desirable for senior roles.