Vinh Phuc - New Product Development Manager

Company Overview (Navigos Search's Client): Our client is a reputable automotive part manufacturing company based in Vinh Phuc, Vietnam. With a strong commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, they specialize in designing and producing cutting-edge automotive components for global markets. As part of their expansion strategy, they are seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to join their team as the Head of New Product Development. Position Overview: The Head of New Product Development will lead the strategic planning and execution of new product initiatives within the company's automotive parts division. This role requires a visionary leader with a proven track record in product development, a deep understanding of automotive engineering, and a passion for driving innovation. The successful candidate will be responsible for spearheading the development of new products from concept to launch, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with business objectives and market requirements. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Planning: Develop and implement a comprehensive new product development strategy aligned with the company's business objectives and market trends. Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers, designers, and product developers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Product Innovation: Drive innovation by identifying market opportunities, emerging technologies, and customer needs to conceptualize and develop innovative automotive parts and components. Project Management: Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept generation and design to prototyping, testing, and commercialization, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and marketing teams, to ensure seamless coordination and alignment throughout the product development process. Market Analysis: Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and customer feedback sessions to identify market trends, assess competitive threats, and gather insights to inform product development decisions. Quality Assurance: Establish and maintain rigorous quality control processes and standards to ensure the reliability, performance, and safety of new products, in compliance with industry regulations and customer requirements. Cost Optimization: Work closely with finance and procurement teams to optimize product development costs, identify cost-saving opportunities, and maximize profitability while maintaining high-quality standards. Customer Engagement: Engage with key customers, OEM partners, and industry stakeholders to understand their needs, gather feedback, and incorporate customer requirements into the product development process to drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred. Minimum of 6 years of experience in new product development within the automotive industry, with a proven track record of successfully launching new products. Strong technical expertise in automotive parts design, manufacturing processes, materials selection, and testing methodologies. Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams, drive change, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment. Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, allocate resources effectively, and manage competing priorities to meet project deadlines and deliverables. Strategic thinker with a deep understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, and competitive landscape. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships, negotiate effectively, and influence key stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Fluency in English and Vietnamese, both written and verbal.