Title:  Operations Product Manager, Hardware NPI

Job Summary

The role is pivotal in driving process improvement and comprehensive analysis within New Product Introduction (NPI) and portfolio management. The successful candidate will lead the charge in orchestrating product launches, working synergistically with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution. This role demands proactive management of project timelines, meticulous identification and mitigation of risks, and dynamic communication of objectives to all stakeholders. A key responsibility includes spearheading material readiness in collaboration with the supply chain and engaging in the formative stages of product development to guarantee operational coherence.

The individual will be instrumental in refining existing products, assimilating feedback, and leveraging those insights to inform future design and process enhancements. A strong emphasis is placed on evaluating performance metrics, enforcing risk mitigation strategies, and championing the ethos of continuous improvement across the organization. The role necessitates a close partnership with the strategic sourcing team to enact cost-saving measures and to devise innovative component sourcing methodologies throughout the product's lifecycle.  The successful candidate will contribute to design discussions, focusing on Design for Excellence (DFx) principles, and apply their technical acumen to achieve cost efficiencies at both product and commodity levels. They will also be responsible for evolving Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) processes and policies to manage product transitions effectively, incorporating risk assessments, supply continuity, and end-of-life considerations.

Clear and concise communication of program updates and alterations is essential, as is a robust understanding of financial principles, market dynamics, and product positioning. The role demands a strong analytical capacity, utilizing Business Intelligence (BI) tools to extract and communicate valuable business insights to stakeholders.

Key Responsibilites

• Champion the entire New Product Introduction (NPI) and portfolio management process, ensuring cross-departmental collaboration for flawless product launches, schedule adherence, risk identification, and stakeholder communication.
• Formulate build plans, spearhead material readiness alongside the supply chain, and address logistical constraints.
• Engage actively in early product development stages, aligning with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Test, and Service objectives and requirements.
• Refine and enhance existing products, offering constructive feedback to Engineering, Product Management, and Supply Chain, while shaping future design and process innovations.
• Partner with the operations strategic sourcing team for cost optimization and innovative sourcing strategies across the product's lifespan.
• Develop and maintain PLM processes and policies for effective product transition management, including comprehensive risk analysis, supply continuity, and end-of-life considerations.
• Establish and maintain clear communication channels for program updates and changes to both the team and management.
• Implement process improvement methodologies and continuous improvement practices.

Job Requirements

• Experience in product life cycle management with comprehension of computer hardware manufacturing processes, from Inception (NPI) of the product through the end of life.
• Demonstrated success in program management with a focus on supply chain, manufacturing and/or engineering.
• Familiarity with data center hardware design, manufacturing and/or supply chain would be a plus.
• Previous experience with following tools: MS Project or Smartsheet, Jira, ERP system (Agile/Oracle), BI tools such as PowerBi or Tableau.   

Education

•    A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, complemented by a bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline, preferably electrical, industrial, mechanical or computer science.