About the Role :

We are looking for a seasoned Product Development Manager (NPD Head) to lead and manage end-to-end product development within the FMCG - Plastics & Steel domain. The ideal candidate will have a strong engineering background, strategic product vision, and proven experience leading cross-functional teams through all stages of the product lifecycle - from concept to commercial launch. This role demands both technical depth and business acumen to align product innovation with market demand and organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Product Strategy & Vision

- Define the product vision, strategy, and roadmap aligned with business goals and market opportunities.

- Identify emerging market trends, technologies, and consumer insights to guide product innovation.

- Translate business objectives into actionable product development goals.

- Continuously refine the product portfolio based on performance, customer feedback, and competitive analysis.

2. Product Development & Lifecycle Management

- Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams (R&D, design, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality) through the entire product lifecycle - concept, design, prototype, testing, validation, and launch.

- Oversee the design, prototyping, and testing phases to ensure compliance with performance, durability, and safety standards.

- Implement Agile / Stage-Gate processes for structured and efficient product development.

- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meeting defined specifications.

- Oversee PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) across T0, T1, and T2 prototyping levels.

3. Market Research & Customer Insights

- Conduct market research to understand customer needs, pricing sensitivities, and competitor offerings.

- Collaborate with marketing teams to validate new concepts through consumer testing and feasibility analysis.

- Identify gaps in the current product lineup and opportunities for differentiation and innovation.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

-Partner with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to optimize product quality, manufacturability, and cost efficiency.

- Work with sales and marketing teams to define go-to-market strategies, pricing models, and promotional plans.

- Coordinate with vendors, suppliers, and third-party manufacturing units for material sourcing and component validation.

- Ensure stability of NPD supply mapping, forecast accuracy, and raw material readiness before launch.

5. Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

- Track post-launch product performance, market reception, and profitability.

- Gather customer and channel partner feedback to drive iterative improvements.

- Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product features, durability, and sustainability.

- Analyze competitive products and market dynamics to maintain leadership and adaptability.

6. Compliance, Quality & Risk Management

- Ensure all products comply with industry regulations, quality standards, and safety norms.

- Maintain documentation and reporting as per ISO / BIS / other regulatory standards.

- Identify and mitigate technical and operational risks during development and launch phases.

7. Leadership & Reporting

- Lead, mentor, and guide a multidisciplinary product development team.

- Manage stakeholder communication and provide regular updates on NPD progress, timelines, and budgets.

- Drive a culture of innovation, accountability, and technical excellence.

Candidate Requirements :-

- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical / Industrial / Production Engineering (mandatory).

- MBA or Postgraduate qualification in Operations / Marketing / Strategy (preferred).

- 15+ years of progressive experience in product development, NPD, or R&D within FMCG / Plastics / Steel / Manufacturing industries.

- Strong understanding of materials, tooling, prototyping (T0-T2), and production processes.

- Proven experience in forecasting, supply mapping, and ensuring product readiness for mass production.

- Expertise in Agile / Lean methodologies for efficient development cycles.

- Proficiency with CAD tools, ERP systems, and data-driven project management.

- Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.