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

Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be permanent UK residents and able to successfully complete baseline (BPSS) security clearance.