Npi Manager

**PURPOSE STATEMENT**:
The NPI Manager will be responsible for managing the operational delivery and project management within the New Product Introduction (NPI) function operated by Operations Services.

**PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES**:
**Operational**:

- On-Time and in-Full (OTIF) delivery of all basic and complex projects assigned with high proficiency. Ability to manage complex project independently with mínimal involvement from line manager
- NPI update and reporting - ensure alignment between teams on NPI readiness and daily direction setting. Actively participate in discussions with end market and regional teams on new product categories and brand marketing plans
- End-to-end project management of NPI deployment
- Develop full project plan with input from functional experts. Monitor and manage project schedule as per the project plan
- Provide Product Development Team (PDT) with visibility of project status
- Clearly articulate decisions required to drive OTIF
- Enable informed decision making for Commercial Business Partner i.e. Brands
- Assign NPI related project costs to budget holders including tooling, trials/MQS and wms write-off
- Incorporate Supply Chain reporting tools and roles to drive wms write-off reduction
- Collaborate with stakeholders at all levels to develop aligned plans & priorities, resolve project issues and secure support necessary to assure project delivery with the right level of visibility to facilitate informed decision making
- Cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with Commercial business partners and the NPI Community including Product Development, Product Assurance, Packaging Development, SCIP, Quality, Factory & Regional NPI
- Support and contribute to NPI continuous improvement initiatives
- Support governance and compliance of the services provided against Operation Services frameworks, as well as ensuring compliance to local data privacy, security and internal controls regulations for the markets served
- Proactive continuous improvement activities supporting the Process Owner driven by Delivery Excellence teams
- Ensure delivery against all LOS KPIs

**Project Management**:

- Ensures projects are proceeding according to timelines, and adhering to established operating parameters; negotiates changes in project resources as necessary to achieve objectives and timelines.
- Managing project risks and ensure adequate risk mitigation is in place.
- Prepares and monitors team’s project cost to budget

**Leadership Results**:

- To manage, develop, coach and motivate team members, and contribute in accelerating the performance of the function
- Ensure timely delivery of all deliverables, included in the project plan.

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**
- **
Knowledge, Skills & Experience**
- The jobholder should be
- a strong communicator
- able to manage larger project teams
- builds partnership with stakeholders
- agile when dealing with ambiguity
- manages pressure well
- has credibility within domain
- passion for developing managers and SMEs
- Comprehensive understanding of the E2E-processes for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Minimum of 6 years of progressive work experience in the operational delivery of these services, ideally in a end markets / shared service center, with senior stakeholder management and project management in an organisation of similar scale.
- Minimum Qualifications: Four-year university degree with focus on related areas, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experiences in Operations (manufacturing or supply chain) would be an added advantage
- Excellent communication, people management and change management skills as well as ability to manage relationships professionally
- Proven ability to successfully manage projects through strong project management
- Good organizational skills with inherent discipline in keeping documentation on projects up-to-date and in order
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with employees at all levels, and an ability to influence effectively without authority - understands and appreciates the merit of collaborative work
- Solid understanding of supply chain principles, core processes and systems
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects that vary in complexity and priority
- Independent and takes ownership of tasks whilst displaying a skillset for troubleshooting
- Disciplined in paperwork and records management to manage healthy, auditable projects
- Leadership qualities to champion and guide on the new ways of working
- Projects assigned managed professionally in accordance with NPI process and ultimately OTIF delivered
- Experience of leading culturally diverse teams
- Ability to work in a fast paced environment with different international cultures
- Fluent English (verbal and written), Strong MS-Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Good eye for details with a “hands-on” and “can do” attitude
- Delivery