NPI Project leader
Your mission and role
Mission / Purpose of the Role
Lead the NPI Programme to drive cross-functional teams through the entire lifecycle of product development, from ideation and concept development to the production launch, market release and post-launch review.
Coordinate and enable execution across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Product Management, and Quality functions, embedding risk mitigation strategies and transparent communication to ensure that QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery) objectives are consistently achieved in line with project requirements.
Foster a project-based culture across the organization to maximize competitiveness and optimize NPI launches.
Main Responsibilities:
New Product Introduction programme
- Lead and drive NPI projects, ensuring scope, timeline, budget, and KPIs align with business objectives.
- Collaborate with Marketing, R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance to define project scales and analyze requirements, market needs, technical feasibility, costs, and profitability.
- Align on the project’s operating model according to project scales.
- Define and validate product specifications (including Product Master Specification) with stakeholders and customers.
- Build project planning, including global resource planning, and monitor progress against QCD targets.
- Conduct patent analysis and prior art searches to identify infringement risks.
- Identify all project risks and anticipate difficulties, communicate deviations, and implement countermeasures.
- Drive cross-functional teams through the entire product lifecycle from concept to market launch.
- Coordinate suppliers, field tests, certifications, and technical documentation to ensure readiness and compliance.
- Track KPIs and costs, providing transparent reporting and regular updates to key stakeholders.
- Consolidate feedback and lessons learned to drive continuous improvement of NPI processes.
- Collaborate with Marketing and R&D to update product roadmap.
Project control and reporting
- Drive project review meetings across functions to align project specifications and identify risks.
- Ensure stakeholder alignment on project targets and expectations.
- Host and drive milestone meetings (PCM) and secure maturity at each gate to get board approval.
- Integrate risk mitigation and resource management into project planning.
- Create transparent reporting to stakeholders, supported by tools and dashboards (Excel, Power BI, or ERP‑integrated), to monitor project progress and validate the business impact.
- Prepare executive summaries and presentations for GM, SLT, VP, and President.
Cross-functional Collaboration
- Coordinate and influence Finance, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Marketing, and Divisions to align NPI activities.
- Promote a project-based culture across the organisation, through training and communication.
- Facilitate knowledge transfer and capture lessons learned to drive continuous improvement.
To succeed, you will need
Education level
- Engineering degree or equivalent; PMP certification or strong project management background preferred.
Relevant Previous experience
- 5 to 10+ years’ experience in industrialisation, project management, procurement, or operations in a technology/manufacturing environment.
Knowledge areas/Skills
- Open and entrepreneurial mindset with a “Can do” attitude.
- Result Driven, collaborative and communicating with confidence.
- Proven track record in managing cross-functional projects.
- Knowledge of NPI processes, PLM, QCD management, and risk mitigation.
- Financial acumen (ability to link NPI outcomes to overall business impact).
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management in a multicultural context.
- Business level both in Japanese and English.
In return, we offer
At Edwards Japan, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering workplace culture. By joining us, you will benefit from:
- Culture of Trust and Accountability: Work in an environment where responsibility and integrity are valued and rewarded.
- Lifelong Learning and Career Growth: Access to professional development opportunities and support tailored to your career aspirations.
- Innovation Powered by People: Engage in forward-thinking projects that leverage cutting-edge technology and encourage creative problem-solving.
- Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits: Competitive salary packages accompanied by a wide range of benefits designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
- Health and Well-being: Programs and initiatives to support your physical and mental health for a balanced working life.
Join us and be part of a motivated and diverse team dedicated to excellence in manufacturing operations and continuous improvement.
Job location
This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, providing you the flexibility to split your time between remote work and on-site presence at our state-of-the-art Yachiyo Factory located in Chiba, Japan. This hybrid model promotes work-life balance while fostering direct collaboration with your team and key stakeholders.
Contact information
Further Contact Details
Should you have additional questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our Talent Acquisition Team:
Talent Acquisition Team: Takara Kubota
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