New Product Planning Lead

Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced New Product Planning (NPP) Manager to lead and coordinate new product launches, plant transfers, and key project initiatives across the EMEA region. This is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of new product introductions from concept through to industrialisation and launch, whilst maintaining alignment with global timelines and business objectives.

Working closely with global and regional stakeholders, you will act as the primary point of contact for new product activities within the region, leading cross-functional collaboration and driving projects to successful completion.

Key Responsibilities:

As the New Product Planning Manager, you will:

• Lead and manage new product launches, plant transfers, and other agreed project work across the EMEA region.
• Act as the regional project lead, working closely with Global New Product Launch (NPL) teams and cross-functional partners including Manufacturing, Resource Planning, Quality Assurance, Industrial Engineering, Materials Management, Operations, R&D, Product Development, and Business Supply Management.
• Serve as the primary regional contact for new product introductions, ensuring projects are delivered in line with global timelines and business requirements.
• Manage and coordinate plant-related milestones and project activities throughout the product launch lifecycle.
• Collaborate with global stakeholders to validate project timelines, assess feasibility, and support project acceptance within the region.
• Provide regular project updates and status reports to global project leadership and key stakeholders.
• Lead the procurement and introduction of new materials required to support project delivery and launch timelines.
• Project manage the industrialisation process, ensuring successful transition into launch production and ongoing manufacturing.
• Represent the New Product Planning function across all levels of the organisation, including senior leadership and executive management teams.
• Lead, coach, and develop members of the New Product Planning team, driving engagement and high performance.
• Align departmental activities with wider business objectives, strategic priorities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Set clear goals and expectations for the team and regularly review progress against business objectives.
• Maintain overall accountability for the successful delivery of assigned launches across the EMEA region.
• Act as a hands-on working manager, directly managing selected projects while leading the wider team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in project management, product launches, manufacturing operations, supply chain planning.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience coaching and developing teams.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects within a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence at all levels of the organisation.
• The ability to work independently, establish priorities, and remain flexible in response to changing business needs.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Strong working knowledge of SAP and APO within a production planning environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of PDS
• Degree-level qualification in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, or a related discipline is desirable.