Senior NPI Manager

Senior New Product Introduction (NPI) Manager

Location: Glenrothes or Livingston
Security Clearance: Must be eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship (baseline clearance required)

Copello are working in partnership with a leading organisation within the defence and aerospace sector to recruit a Senior New Product Introduction (NPI) Manager. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on bridging the gap between R&D and full-scale manufacturing, ensuring the successful industrialisation of complex electronic products.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking engineering environment where innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence are at the forefront.

Key Responsibilities

* Strategic Leadership: Lead a cross-functional team of manufacturing and process engineers to deliver new products from concept (RFQ) through to full production handover.

* Lifecycle Management: Drive products through structured stage-gate processes (e.g. AS9145, APQP) from initial bid to production readiness.

* Design for Excellence (DfX): Champion Design for Manufacturability (DfM), Testability (DfT), and Cost (DfC) to ensure robust, scalable, and cost-effective solutions.

* Risk Mitigation: Manage Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) and conduct FMEA/PFMEA activities to proactively identify and resolve risks.

* Supply Chain Collaboration: Work closely with procurement and external suppliers to ensure component availability and manufacturing capability.

* Project Governance: Establish and manage baselines for cost, schedule, and scope, providing regular updates to senior stakeholders.

* Process Development: Oversee the creation of manufacturing plans, tooling, fixtures, and work instructions.

* Cross-Functional Alignment: Coordinate with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure successful product launches.

* Manufacturing Readiness: Lead MRL assessments and readiness plans to ensure production capability and stability.

* Gate Reviews: Chair and manage NPI Gate Reviews, Design Reviews, and Production Readiness Reviews.

Experience & Qualifications

* Degree qualified (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in Electrical, Electronic, or Manufacturing Engineering.

* Significant experience within a manufacturing environment, including leadership responsibility.

* Proven experience within highly regulated industries such as aerospace, defence, or space.

* Strong knowledge of standards such as AS9100, AS9145 (APQP/PPAP), and J-STD-001.

* Experience with project management tools (e.g. MS Project, Smartsheet); PRINCE2 or PMP desirable.

* Deep understanding of electronics manufacturing processes, including PCBA, SMT, and microelectronics assembly.

* Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.

* Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle) and PLM tools.

* Strong background in PFMEA, Root Cause Analysis, and test systems (ATE).

* Ability to interpret technical drawings, BOMs, and GD&T specifications.

* Knowledge of advanced manufacturing techniques (e.g. CNC machining, automation, special processes, SMT assembly).

What’s on Offer

* Competitive salary

* 25 days holiday + bank holidays, with the option to buy/sell up to 5 days

* Generous pension contribution

* Discretionary bonus scheme

* Life assurance (6x salary)

* Flexible benefits package including health cash plan, dental, and cycle to work

* Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies

* Flexible working environment (site-based, hybrid, or remote depending on role requirements)

* Up to 5 days paid volunteering leave annually

Additional Information

Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be permanent UK residents and able to successfully complete baseline (BPSS) security clearance
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed