NPD Manager – DFM Outdoor Furniture

Job Description – NPD Manager (DFM Outdoor Furniture)
Department:
New Product Development (NPD)

Role Overview
We are looking for an innovative and technically proficient
NPD Manager – DFM Outdoor Furniture
to lead the
design modification, re-engineering, and industrialization
of outdoor furniture products.

The primary objective of this role is to ensure every outdoor furniture design adheres to
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
and
3-pick assembly
principles — focusing on manufacturability, durability, cost efficiency, and ease of assembly for the end customer.

The role requires a blend of
product design sensibility, engineering knowledge, material expertise (metal, wood, wicker, fabric, etc.), and understanding of outdoor performance standards
.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Design, Modification & Re-engineering
• Lead the redesign and re-engineering of existing outdoor furniture SKUs to achieve modularity and 3-pick assembly readiness.
• Translate design concepts into manufacturing-ready engineering drawings and 3D models optimized for cost, strength, weather performance, and easy assembly.
• Conduct value engineering to reduce complexity, materials, and tooling costs while maintaining product strength and aesthetics.
• Optimize furniture construction for flat-pack shipping, minimal hardware, and rapid assembly.
• Collaborate with design and NPD teams to balance aesthetic appeal, ergonomic comfort, and production feasibility.
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM) & Industrial Engineering
• Apply DFM principles to outdoor furniture — ensuring compatibility with metal fabrication, powder coating, weaving, injection molding, and upholstery processes.
• Standardize joinery systems, fittings, and components across multiple product lines to improve scalability and interchangeability.
• Work closely with production and tooling teams to ensure all designs meet machine, fixture, and assembly-line constraints.
• Validate structural integrity and weather resistance through simulation and testing before commercialization.
• Partner with procurement and suppliers to identify suitable materials for outdoor use — aluminum, steel, synthetic wicker, rope, high-performance fabrics, etc.
• 3-Pick Assembly Program Development
• Drive the 3-pick assembly initiative for outdoor furniture — focusing on compact packaging, reduced components, and intuitive end-user assembly.
• Engineer assembly mechanisms and connectors that minimize tools and setup time while ensuring long-term durability.
• Collaborate with packaging and logistics teams to optimize carton design, space utilization, and shipping stability.
• Develop visual assembly instructions and exploded-view guides for customers and internal production teams.
• Prototype Development & Testing
• Oversee prototype creation and pilot production runs, ensuring alignment with engineering and design intent.
• Conduct outdoor product validation tests — corrosion, UV resistance, load bearing, finish adhesion, and cyclic durability.
• Work with quality teams to establish and implement performance and compliance standards for all outdoor furniture categories.
• Implement continuous improvement feedback loops between NPD, production, and after-sales data.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Coordinate with industrial design, manufacturing, quality, sourcing, and logistics teams for end-to-end execution of NPD projects.
• Collaborate with supply chain and warehouse teams for packaging, labeling, and distribution standardization.
• Partner with the marketplace, cataloging, and e-commerce teams to ensure all technical data, assembly details, and images are aligned for product listings.
• Liaise with vendors and contract manufacturers for sample development, process validation, and capacity assessment.
• Documentation, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
• Maintain complete CAD drawings, BOMs, change control documents, and DFM review reports for each SKU.
• Ensure all products comply with relevant international outdoor furniture standards (e.g., BIFMA, ASTM, EN).
• Monitor performance data and post-launch feedback to continuously refine designs and materials.
• Lead initiatives to enhance sustainability, recyclability, and cost efficiency in product design and packaging.

Key Deliverables

• Conversion of all existing outdoor SKUs to DFM- and 3-pick assembly-compliant designs.
• Reduction in assembly time and hardware count per product.
• Improvement in production efficiency and reduction in cost per unit.
• 100% adherence to outdoor performance, corrosion, and durability standards.
• Timely completion of NPD milestones from concept to commercialization.

Desired Skills & Competencies

• Deep understanding of outdoor furniture design, DFM, and modular engineering principles.
• Expertise in 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360, or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of metal fabrication, powder coating, weaving, upholstery, and material finishes.
• Hands-on experience with knock-down / flat-pack product design and furniture assembly mechanisms.
• Proficient in BOM creation, costing, and design documentation.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Strong coordination skills with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical / Industrial Engineering, Product Design, or Furniture Design.
• Experience: 7–10 years of experience in Outdoor Furniture Product Engineering / NPD / Manufacturing, with proven exposure to DFM and modular design.
• Prior experience with export or premium outdoor furniture brands preferred.