Director Global New Product Introduction (NPI)
Comet, a leading Swiss technology company worldwide, is looking for a customer- and team-oriented individual to complement our division Plasma Control Technologies at our San Jose (US), Aachen (Germany), or Flamatt (Switzerland) locations.
We develop and produce innovative high-tech components and systems based on X-ray and radio-frequency technology. Our developments make an important contribution to safer, more efficient and more sustainable production, mobility, and communication.
In the Plasma Control Technologies (PCT) division, we manufacture specialized components that are required for the precise control of plasma processes and are used in the production of memory chips or touch screens for sensors, smartphones, or tablets.
* Main Tasks and Targets:
* Develop, implement, and manage the global NPI strategy, processes, and structure, from initial concept through product launch, ensuring alignment with PCT's goals and market demands.
* Actively represent NPI in the global NPI&OPS management team.
* Collaborate with R&D, marketing, sales, operations, and supply chain teams to develop and implement comprehensive NPI plans.
Responsibilities:
* Lead the teams at all NPI locations (currently San Jose (SJC), Aachen (AAH), Flamatt (FLA), and Suwon (SEL) as well as cross-functional teams. Provide leadership, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for team members.
* Develop and implement best practices and standardized processes for NPI aligned with up- and downstream processes. Continuously review and improve these to maximize efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
* Establish and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure adherence to all design and technology rules, define technology choice, timelines, milestones, and deliverables for new product launch.
* Ensure early involvement of NPI to development projects and early involvement of all stakeholders (SMC, GMDM, SCM, QM, OPS) to these.
* Ensure that detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets to the products launched and the associated manufacturing systems are created and met.
* Establish and maintain project management tools and reporting to have problems early identified, escalated, and troubleshooted to keep projects on track.
* Collaborate and openly debate with the team to manage projects, solve problems, discuss challenging issues, and learn more about critical issues as a group.
* Lead regular cross-functional team meetings to facilitate communication, resolve challenges, and maintain project momentum.
* Ensure the quality, accuracy, and completeness of technical documentation, including drawings and specifications.
* Provide regular updates and reports on the progress and performance of NPI projects.
* Ensure that post-launch analyses are conducted to evaluate the success of NPI projects and gain insights for future projects.
* Continuously explore opportunities to reduce time to market for all products launched.
* Ensure that regulatory and industry standards throughout the product development and introduction process are known and understood in the organization and complied with.
* Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the success of new product introductions and address any issues promptly.
* Promote a culture of innovation and best practice within the NPI team, encouraging collaboration, sharing knowledge, and embracing digitalization.
You will bring:
Working experience/technical skills/know-how:
* Master of Science or Bachelor of Science in Business, Engineering, or Manufacturing Management.
* Min. 10 years of experience in product development, project management, or a similar role, with a strong focus on NPI in a global context.
* Proven track record of successful product launches in multiple markets.
* Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle, manufacturing processes, and project management methodologies.
* Familiarity with regulatory requirements and quality standards in the semiconductor industry.
* Excellent leadership, team management, communication, and interpersonal skills and used to work in a multi-cultural environment.
* Initiative and motivation to add value to the organization and its customers and to maintain the position of Comet PCT as a global market leader.
* Ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and not lose sight of the big picture even in hectic situations.
* Affinity with innovative solutions which can be applied throughout development to high-volume manufacturing.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, both technical and interpersonal.
* Pragmatic and flexible attitude with a result- and data-driven can-do mentality.
* Works autonomously, well-organized, with good attention to detail, while setting high standards in all aspects of the work.
Methodological Competence:
* Process optimization, deployment of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Total Quality Management methods.
* Project management, solid knowledge of project management and agile methods.
* Technology utilization, the use of technology to increase operational efficiency (ERP, MES, BI).
* Continuous improvement, methods such as Kaizen, PDCA cycle, CIP.
* Quality management, use of quality management methods such as FMEA, 5S Poka Yoke.
* Change management.