Manager – NPD and Automation

Job Summary

As a Manager for New Product Development (NPD) and Automation, you will collaborate with internal and external teams to design, procure, and deliver NPD projects related to process, utilities, and packaging equipment. This role is critical in transitioning projects from the planning phase to operationalization, ensuring they meet specified standards and requirements.

Responsibilities

• Participation in NPD Meetings: Attend and represent manufacturing in NPD meetings, converting product concepts into feasible designs and drafting end-to-end manufacturing processes.
• Manufacturing Process Design: Identify suitable manufacturing equipment and ensure its installation and commissioning align with launch plans, achieving production volumes with OEE, quality, safety, and productivity targets.
• Equipment Sizing and Selection: Size processes, packaging, and utilities post-NPD project briefs, ensuring energy-efficient equipment selections, approving designs, and integrating IoT features.
• Project Execution: Prepare comprehensive capital expenditure (capex) plans, develop project layouts, and monitor project progress to ensure timely installation of all equipment.
• Procurement and Vendor Coordination: Float inquiries, complete technical bids, and ensure compliance and NDA signing by contractors and service providers.
• Site Safety and Compliance: Provide technical input during project execution, follow statutory approvals, and ensure compliance with all safety standards.
• Monitoring and Control: Oversee capex spending against budget, reviewing contractor performance, verifying invoices, and developing risk management plans.
• Financial Modelling and Budgeting: Conduct ROI analysis, manage capital budgets, and anticipate budget overruns while ensuring project delivery within budget constraints.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduate in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering with project experience.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 10 years in Operations, Maintenance, and Project Management for Green and Brownfield projects in FMCG, Pharma, and Chemical industries.
  • Expertise in high-speed flexible packaging systems and utilities commissioning.
• Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of flexible packaging machines (VFFS, HFFS, etc.), EOL equipment, statutory requirements, and IoT implementation.
  • Proficient in project management software (MS Project, Zoho) and MS Office (Excel, AutoCAD).
  • Business solutions mindset to enhance operational efficiency through Lean Sigma tools.

Preferred Skills

• Strong influencing and leadership skills with the ability to drive change management and innovation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, proficient in presentations.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years in relevant fields focusing on project management and operations in manufacturing environments.

Environment

This role typically requires working in an office setting with travel to manufacturing sites for project oversight. The working environment adheres to safety and operational excellence standards.

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India