NPI Engineering Manager

The Role

A senior leader position accountable for the effective leadership and management of an entire support function covering the Cheltenham site. Member of the senior leadership team for the Manufacturing function.

Accountable for New Product Integration (NPI) focussed on:

• Supporting the Business Manufacturing Strategy over a 3-year rolling timeline.
• Deliver Senior Leadership focused initiatives and strategic improvements.
• Pro-active compliance and development of New Product operational capability to achieve Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and People (SQCDP).
• Manufacturing readiness through pilot build, production ramp-up, and handover to Production
• Work cross-functionally with NPD, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production teams

General Responsibilities

New Product Integration Leadership

• Lead end-to-end New Product Integration (NPI) activity from manufacturing concept through to production handover.
• Ensure all new products are introduced in line with the company NPI governance process (e.g. gated development frameworks).
• Own pilot builds, production ramp-up, and early life support to ensure stable manufacture.
• Create Manufacturing Systems that deliver competitiveness for the Cheltenham site against cost, quality, and delivery.

Manufacturing Readiness & Design

• Provide manufacturing input into product design, ensuring robust Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA).
• Ensure manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and documentation are fully validated prior to release to production.
• Identify, assess, and manage manufacturing risks throughout the NPI lifecycle.
• Communicate project status, risks, and readiness clearly to senior stakeholders.
• Define equipment, tooling, fixtures, and control system requirements for new products.
• Lead the design, specification, and functional testing of manufacturing systems and packaging solutions.
• Work closely with Assembly Manufacturing Engineering, Production Improvement and Production teams to deliver scalable and repeatable manufacturing solutions.
• Develop and manage manufacturing cost models for new products.
• Define and control capital expenditure associated with new product integrations.
• Support and/or lead continuous improvement and Kaizen activity linked to new introductions.
• Ensure effective transfer of processes, documentation, and ownership to Production and Assembly Manufacturing Engineering teams.
• Support shopfloor teams during early production to embed stable processes.
• Support site reviews, leadership walkthroughs, and global NPI engagement as required.
• Deliver successful, stable on time new products into production.
• Deliver against approved capital and product costs.

Management & Development - People

• Lead, inspire, coach and develop the skills of direct reports.
• Manage reports in line with company standards and policies.
• Set objectives and monitor performance of direct reports in line with the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. Maximizing Performance process.
• Represent [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. in working groups; contribute to these and facilitate discussion locally on possible implications of new initiatives.
• Ensure appropriate resourcing aligned to project complexity and portfolio demand.

Skills/Requirements

• Proven competence and previous success in an engineering leadership role, with significant exposure to New Product Introduction, typically 8+yrs experience within a manufacturing/assembly environment.
• Experience and application of lean principles, manufacturing processes, automation, labour efficiency, capital planning, operations finance, and industrialisation.
• Experience working within gated NPI / NPD frameworks, and knowledge of DFM/A principles.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to assess risk and make balanced decisions under time and cost pressure.
• Confident decision maker with strong delivery focus.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Comfortable operating between strategic intent and hands-on execution.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence across functions.
• Bachelor and/or Masters Degree in manufacturing engineering, operations or related technical field.

What We Can Offer You

We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation. With a genuine commitment to creating better tomorrows, we’re driving meaningful change in our mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.

About Us

In the UK, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Ltd. is made up of three market leading brands: Mira Showers, Rada Controls, and Recoup. Where our brands differ in market position, they are equal in their commitment to design, innovation, and providing a single level of quality regardless of price.

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is committed to diversity and inclusion to drive our business results and create a better future every day for our diverse associates, consumers, partners, and global communities. As an equal opportunities employer, it is [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified people in all job classifications without prejudice. If, as an individual with a disability, you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal].