Project Leader NPD

Location:

La Vergne, TN
Are you passionate about bringing innovative products to life? We are seeking an experienced Project Leader for New Product Development (NPD) to lead cross-functional teams in the planning, execution, and successful launch of new products. As a strategic thinker with a strong background in product development, project management, and leadership, you will work closely with engineering, marketing, sales, and supply chain teams to ensure our products meet market demands, quality standards, and are delivered on time and within budget.
WHAT YOU WILL DO: Be a Critical partner. Have a voice. Lead.
Project Management:
Lead the end-to-end process of new product development, from concept to launch, prioritizing customer needs.
Create detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets, monitoring progress and making adjustments as needed to ensure successful completion.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Coordinate with departments including engineering, marketing, procurement, and sales to ensure alignment on project goals, deliverables, and timelines.
Facilitate effective communication and collaboration across all teams involved.
Product Development:

Oversee the design, testing, and production of new products, ensuring they meet quality standards, comply with industry regulations, and exceed customer expectations.
Lead the use of Quality Functional Diagrams (QFD) to translate customer needs into engineering specifications.
Market Research:

Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to understand customer needs, market trends, and competitive products.
Use insights to guide the development of innovative, market-leading products.
Risk Management:

Identify potential project risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, proactively addressing issues to minimize impact on timelines and outcomes.
Budget Management:

Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and projects are delivered within financial constraints.
Leadership:

Provide clear direction, motivation, and support to project teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Reporting:

Regularly report on project status, milestones, and outcomes to senior management, providing insights and recommendations based on performance.
Comprehensive NPD Expertise:

Demonstrate deep understanding of the NPD process, guiding projects from concept through to launch.
Anticipate and plan for engineering deliverables at every phase, ensuring alignment with NPD philosophies and Critical to Quality (CTQ) matrix.
Technical Trade-Offs:

Facilitate discussions on technical trade-offs with marketing and cross-functional teams, balancing end-user needs with constraints.
Design Optimization:

Analyze design execution options to meet specification objectives, leading the integration of designs into mass production with a focus on efficiency and quality.
Technical Accountability:

Own the technical aspects of project execution, including complex component integration, material selection, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.
Manufacturing Collaboration:

Work closely with manufacturing plants and external suppliers to meet project goals, addressing any design or manufacturing challenges.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Energy. Drive. Focus.

Education : Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. An advanced degree (MBA, MS) is a plus.
Experience : 10+ years of project management experience, with a focus on new product development, preferably in consumer goods, industrial tools, or machinery.
Project Management Skills : Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and tools. PMP or similar certification is a plus.
Technical Knowledge : Familiarity with phase gate product development processes, including design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing.
Leadership Skills : Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Market Insight : Understanding of market research, customer needs, and competitive analysis. Ability to translate market trends into product strategies.
Time Management : Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.

Up to 10% Domestic and International travel is expected.
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN: Inspiration. A Learning Environment. A Sense of Belonging.
At JPW Industries, we're more than just a workplace - we're a community of innovators, problem-solvers, and forward-thinkers. Join us and immerse yourself in an environment of inspiration, where learning never stops, and every day presents new opportunities for personal and professional growth. You'll find a true sense of belonging as part of our global team, where your contributions matter and your talents are celebrated.
Benefits That Matter:
We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance your well-being and support your success. From competitive pay and annual bonuses to top-tier medical, dental, and vision coverage from day one, we've got you covered. Plus, enjoy perks like telehealth, flexible spending accounts, employer contributions to health savings accounts, and more. Our commitment to your wellness extends beyond the basics, with paid time off, designated holidays, life insurance, disability coverage, identity theft protection, and employee assistance programs. And let's not forget about the fun - join us for employee appreciation activities that make every day a little brighter.
JPW INDUSTRIES AND CULTURE:
As a leader in metalworking and woodworking equipment and specialty shop tools, JPW Industries is known worldwide for our trusted brands -Jet, Powermatic, Wilton, Baileigh, Edwards and Axiom. Our legacy of quality, reliability, innovation, and service spans generations, with products built to last and support teams dedicated to customer satisfaction. We're driven by a shared mission to improve lives, enhance safety, and foster well-being in everything we do. At JPW, our

core values

guide us -

we win as a team, act with integrity, put the customer first, believe in innovation, and play to win.
Be Part of Something Great:
If you're ready to make a difference and be part of a team that values your unique skills and contributions, JPW Industries is the place for you. Join us and experience the fulfillment of being part of something bigger - where every day brings new challenges, opportunities, and successes. Together, let's create a brighter future for ourselves and our customers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.