Senior New Product Introduction Manager

Senior New Product Introduction (NPI) Manager Location: Glenrothes or Livingston Security Clearance: Must be eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship (baseline clearance required) Copello are working in partnership with a leading organisation within the defence and aerospace sector to recruit a Senior New Product Introduction (NPI) Manager. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on bridging the gap between R&D and full-scale manufacturing, ensuring the successful industrialisation of complex electronic products. This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking engineering environment where innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence are at the forefront. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership: Lead a cross-functional team of manufacturing and process engineers to deliver new products from concept (RFQ) through to full production handover. Lifecycle Management: Drive products through structured stage-gate processes (e.g. AS9145, APQP) from initial bid to production readiness. Design for Excellence (DfX): Champion Design for Manufacturability (DfM), Testability (DfT), and Cost (DfC) to ensure robust, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. Risk Mitigation: Manage Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) and conduct FMEA/PFMEA activities to proactively identify and resolve risks. Supply Chain Collaboration: Work closely with procurement and external suppliers to ensure component availability and manufacturing capability. Project Governance: Establish and manage baselines for cost, schedule, and scope, providing regular updates to senior stakeholders. Process Development: Oversee the creation of manufacturing plans, tooling, fixtures, and work instructions. Cross-Functional Alignment: Coordinate with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure successful product launches. Manufacturing Readiness: Lead MRL assessments and readiness plans to ensure production capability and stability. Gate Reviews: Chair and manage NPI Gate Reviews, Design Reviews, and Production Readiness Reviews. Experience & Qualifications Degree qualified (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in Electrical, Electronic, or Manufacturing Engineering. Significant experience within a manufacturing environment, including leadership responsibility. Proven experience within highly regulated industries such as aerospace, defence, or space. Strong knowledge of standards such as AS9100, AS9145 (APQP/PPAP), and J-STD-001. Experience with project management tools (e.g. MS Project, Smartsheet); PRINCE2 or PMP desirable. Deep understanding of electronics manufacturing processes, including PCBA, SMT, and microelectronics assembly. Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies. Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle) and PLM tools. Strong background in PFMEA, Root Cause Analysis, and test systems (ATE). Ability to interpret technical drawings, BOMs, and GD&T specifications. Knowledge of advanced manufacturing techniques (e.g. CNC machining, automation, special processes, SMT assembly). What’s on Offer Competitive salary 25 days holiday + bank holidays, with the option to buy/sell up to 5 days Generous pension contribution Discretionary bonus scheme Life assurance (6x salary) Flexible benefits package including health cash plan, dental, and cycle to work Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies Flexible working environment (site-based, hybrid, or remote depending on role requirements) Up to 5 days paid volunteering leave annually Additional Information Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be permanent UK residents and able to successfully complete baseline (BPSS) security clearance.