Manager – NPD

About the role As an NPD (New Product Development) and Packaging Manager, you will work with internal and external teams in the design, procurement and delivery of NPD projects (process, utilities and packaging equipment) from the planning and capex preparation stage to operationalisation. Key Responsibilities 1. Participation in NPD meetings - Attend New Product Development (NPD) meetings and represent Manufacturing - Participate in NPD review meetings - Obtain NPD briefs and convert product concepts into feasible designs - Design end-to-end manufacturing processes for production, adhering to agreed capacities 2. Manufacturing process design - Identify suitable manufacturing equipment/vendors based on process design - Ensure installation and commissioning of facilities ahead of the launch plan - Deliver production volumes per launch plans with agreed OEE, quality, safety and productivity targets - Identify high-risk equipment or tasks in the project 3. Equipment sizing and selection - Size processes, packaging and utilities post-NPD project brief - Ensure the required electrical, automation, and digitization systems are in place - Select energy-efficient and reliable equipment with minimal rejections - Approve equipment drawings and monitor supplier progress through regular meetings - Ensure IoT and digital features are enabled in selected equipment 4. Project execution - Prepare end-to-end capex for the project - Create project layouts, aligning with safety and operational excellence teams - Develop a project network and closely monitor progress, updating regularly - Ensure installation of bulk manufacturing, utilities, filling and packing equipment at the site - Finalize civil, mechanical and piping consultants/contractors 5. Procurement and vendor coordination - Float inquiries for all processes and utilities - Complete technical bids and coordinate with the procurement team for commercial discussions - Ensure contractors/service providers sign NDAs, provide ABG, PBG as per contract terms 6. Site safety and compliance - Participate in execution to provide technical input, ensuring compliance with safety standards - Follow up on statutory approvals for the project - Ensure compliance of contractors with safety and statutory standards - Ensure site safety during project execution according to agreed safety standards 7. Monitoring and control - Monitor capex spending versus budget for all tasks - Periodically review contractor performance to ensure timely project completion - Verify invoices from contractors and ensure timely payments - Develop risk management plans to identify and mitigate potential risks - Travel to different factory locations to meet project objectives 8. Financial modelling and budgeting - Conduct financial modelling, focusing on ROI, payback and cost-benefit analysis - Create and manage capital budgets for process and utilities equipment for capacity and NPD projects - Identify any additional budgetary requirements - Ensure project delivery within the approved budget - Anticipate and proactively manage budget over-runs 9. Technology and innovation - Implement the latest technologies, including IoT and Industry 4.0, in selected equipment - Identify automation opportunities in existing manufacturing setups to minimise manpower - Ensure machines meet minimum safety standards and efficiency requirements 10. Expected deliverables - Achieve Zero Injury at the project site - Ensure finalization of plot plans with consideration to: o Material and manpower movement o Proximity of utilities and packaging areas o Storage near manufacturing/packaging o Effective utilization of existing utilities o Adequate placement of change rooms and washrooms - Ensure selected equipment meets all safety and statutory standards - Successfully execute projects within the agreed timelines, scope and budget 11. Budget responsibility - Create and manage the capital budget for capacity and NPD projects - Ensure project delivery within the approved budget - Anticipate and manage budget over-runs proactively - Maintain clear communication with stakeholders regarding budget status and potential risks Who are we looking for? Education: Graduate in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering with project experience Experience: 10+ years in Operations, Maintenance, and Project Management for Green and Brownfield projects in FMCG, Pharma and Chemical industries Expertise in project management from planning to execution for small to medium facilities Strong knowledge of high-speed flexible packaging machines (VFFS, HFFS, Flow wraps, etc.) and various laminates Experience with high-speed bottle unscramblers, filling, capping, labeling lines and customized cartons Knowledge of EOL equipment (banding, case packers, palletizers, etc.) and utilities commissioning Familiar with industry safety standards, statutory requirements and environmental management Understanding of IoT, Industry 4.0 and data capture in manufacturing Skilled in budget estimation for utilities (steam, gas, refrigeration, etc.) Proficient in risk assessment, project planning (MS Project, Zoho), and MS Office (Excel, AutoCAD) Skills: Business solutions: o Optimize men, machines and materials using Lean Sigma tools to enhance operational efficiency o Plan for new technologies to improve process capability and plant availability Influencing skills: o Strong ability to influence at all levels, including senior management Leadership: o Capable of delivering sustainable solutions and leading teams effectively Communication: o Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written o Proficient in presentations using PowerPoint, Excel, and Word o Coordinate cross-functional teams and manage multiple suppliers/contractors Change management: o Drive the implementation of Smart Factory fundamentals Innovation: o Ability to think creatively and innovatively