NPD Manager

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

1. 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
  .

2. 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. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.