1. Role Objective:

To lead and drive New Product Development (NPD) from concept development and product design to prototyping, testing, validation and commercial launch.

The role will be responsible for developing innovative, cost-effective, reliable and market-driven products that meet customer expectations, quality standards and regulatory requirements.

2. Key Responsibilities:

A. New Product Development:

- Lead end-to-end NPD activities.

- Develop new product concepts based on market trends, customer requirements, competitor benchmarking and technology advancements.

- Drive product development from concept finalisation to design, prototyping, testing and mass production.

- Develop new models, variants and product platforms across different price segments.

- Work on product innovation, design improvements, performance enhancement and feature upgrades.

B. Technical Design & Engineering:

- Drive product design and engineering.

- Oversee mechanical design, component selection, material specifications and product architecture.

- Ensure appropriate selection of motors, blowers, filters, suction systems, burners, valves, ignition systems, glass tops and other critical components.

- Work on product functionality, energy efficiency, noise reduction, thermal performance and operational safety.

- Coordinate with design and engineering teams for CAD drawings, design validation and engineering changes.

C. Prototyping & Product Testing:

- Lead prototype development and product trials.

- Ensure testing and validation of products for performance, durability, reliability and safety.

- Identify design gaps and implement corrective actions before product commercialisation.

- Ensure compliance with applicable BIS, safety and other regulatory standards.

- Conduct product benchmarking against competing brands.

D. Cost Optimisation & Value Engineering:

- Drive product cost optimisation without compromising quality and performance.

- Identify opportunities for material optimisation, component standardisation and design simplification.

- Work closely with sourcing and procurement teams to identify suitable vendors and alternative components.

- Improve product margins through value engineering and localisation initiatives.

E. Cross-functional Coordination:

- Work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Marketing and Sales teams.

- Coordinate with vendors, suppliers and manufacturing partners for component development and product industrialisation.

- Ensure smooth transition of products from development to manufacturing.

- Resolve technical issues arising during pilot production and mass manufacturing.

F. Product Launch & Lifecycle Management:

- Drive timely product launches as per business requirements.

- Prepare technical specifications, BOMs, product documentation and engineering reports.

- Monitor initial market feedback, product performance and customer complaints.

- Drive continuous product improvements and engineering changes throughout the product lifecycle.

3. Desired Candidate Profile:

- B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Electronics Engineering or related discipline.

- 8 - 15 years of experience in New Product Development, Product Design or R&D within the kitchen appliances / consumer durables industry.

- Experience in developing home appliances.

- Strong understanding of mechanical design, electrical systems, product engineering and component development.

- Experience in prototyping, testing, validation, value engineering and product industrialisation.

- Exposure to vendor development, BOM management and manufacturing processes.