The New Product Introduction (NPI) Manager plays a key role in accelerating speed- to- market for new furniture products. This role involves managing end- to- end project timelines, coordinating cross- functional teams, and ensuring new product launches meet quality, cost, and delivery expectations. The role supports innovation in functional furniture designs to drive revenue growth for Wanek and Millennium.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Management & Reporting:
Lead NPI projects from concept to launch, ensuring on- time and on- budget delivery.
Monitor regulatory changes that may impact product compliance, and coordinate with departments to address them.
Provide regular updates to senior leadership and stakeholders through dashboards and progress reports.
Develop and maintain detailed project plans, including timelines, milestones, deliverables, and resource allocation.
Identify and prioritize key projects; proactively escalate risks or delays.
Innovation Sourcing:
Conduct competitive and market research to inform innovation strategies.
Collaborate with Sourcing Category team and suppliers to identify new product components and features.
Drive product enhancements, especially in motion furniture, in alignment with market trends.
Manufacturing & Product Knowledge:
Understand quality control, frame construction, upholstery standards, and packaging needs.
Ensure new products meet all internal manufacturing capabilities and external compliance standards.
Apply knowledge of motion furniture engineering and assembly processes.
Market Insights:
Stay informed on advanced functional furniture innovations.
Demonstrate strong knowledge of U.S. consumer preferences and furniture trends.
Understand competitor offerings, retail pricing strategies, and service requirements.
PMO and Stakeholder Coordination:
Maintain a clear feedback loop with stakeholders to continuously improve NPI processes.
Identify risks early and implement mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
Align project deliverables and timelines across departments.
Facilitate cross- functional communication among design, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and sales teams.
Performance Metrics:
Operational dashboards and system structure to track progress and priority.
Innovation rate (e.g., new features introduced at market shows).
On- time project delivery rate.
Collaboration Expectations:
Lead regular meetings to address project updates, challenges, and solutions.
Work closely with internal teams such as R&D Design, Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Sales teams to ensure seamless product introduction and external partners for seamless product development.
Foster a transparent, inclusive, and goal- aligned work environment.
Capture and channel product ideas from various sources (design, sourcing, leadership, and customers).
