Discover a pivotal career in manufacturing and technology with NPI Planner jobs. An NPI (New Product Introduction) Planner is a specialized supply chain professional who acts as the critical bridge between product design and volume production. Their core mission is to ensure all materials and components are available at the right time, quantity, and quality to support the seamless launch of new products from prototype phases to full-scale manufacturing. This role is fundamental in industries like consumer electronics, medical devices, automotive, aerospace, and industrial equipment, where bringing innovative products to market efficiently is a key competitive advantage. Professionals in these jobs are the architects of material readiness. They typically begin by collaborating closely with Research & Development and Engineering teams to understand new product designs, creating preliminary Bills of Materials (BOMs), and developing comprehensive material readiness plans. A primary responsibility involves translating a Master Production Schedule (MPS) into actionable procurement and production plans within an ERP or MRP system. This requires meticulous management of planning parameters such as lead times, safety stock, and order quantities. NPI Planners proactively monitor inventory health across raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods, identifying potential shortages or excesses long before they impact the production line. The day-to-day functions of an NPI Planner are highly cross-functional. They partner with Procurement to communicate demand forecasts and secure supply, with Quality to ensure component specifications are met, and with Finance to align on inventory budgets and strategies. Leading clear-to-build reviews and contributing to Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes are common responsibilities, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned on timelines and constraints. A significant part of the role is managing the fluidity of change; they must expertly handle engineering change orders (ECOs) and revisions to minimize obsolescence and disruption. Typical skills and requirements for NPI Planner jobs include a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, engineering, business, or a related field. Success demands strong analytical prowess and advanced proficiency in Excel, ERP/MRP systems (like SAP or Oracle), and often data visualization tools. Exceptional communication and problem-solving skills are non-negotiable, as is a detail-oriented, proactive, and collaborative mindset. Candidates must thrive in fast-paced environments, balancing multiple projects while driving continuous improvement in planning processes and data accuracy. For those who enjoy orchestrating complex logistics to turn groundbreaking ideas into tangible products, NPI Planner jobs offer a challenging and rewarding career at the heart of innovation.
