Senior Manager, NPI Quality
A global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) company operating within the Cloud & Connectivity Solutions segment, producing cable assemblies, switches, and connectors for hyperscale data centre programmes. The organisation is in a high-growth phase, with direct ties to major cloud infrastructure clients.
Thailand (EEC) | Reports to VP-level line manager
ROLE PURPOSE
This is a greenfield leadership role responsible for building and owning the NPI/NPD quality function from the ground up. The Senior Manager will establish the APQP framework, set the quality culture, and lead a growing team across all New Product Introduction quality activities. The mandate spans strategic framework ownership through to hands-on technical leadership across an active portfolio of concurrent NPI programmes.
RESPONSIBILITIES
NPI Quality Framework Ownership- Establish and own end-to-end NPI quality framework: APQP, PFMEA, DFMEA, Control Plans, and MSA strategies
- Define and set KPIs for the NPI quality function from scratch
- Deploy ISO 9001-aligned QMS adapted to NPI/NPD context
- Define Critical-to-Customer and Critical-to-Quality (CtC/CtQ) flowdown standards
New Product Introduction Leadership- Lead quality assurance across all NPI programmes, design transfer, process capability studies, and launch readiness milestones
- Manage simultaneous quality oversight across 40 concurrent NPI projects
- Conduct line qualification activities and ensure IQC, MRB, and audit readiness at each phase gate
- Interface directly with customer quality teams on NPI requirements and commitments
Risk Management- Champion proactive risk management (S/D/PFMEA, FTA, NUDD) across the full product development lifecycle
- Drive Design for Excellence (DfX) principles through cross-functional NPI teams
- Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (A3, 8D, 5-Why, Is–Is Not, FTA, Ishikawa, DOE) to quality risk issues
- Ensure MSA/GR&R and SPC/Cpk frameworks are established and maintained for new processes
Team Leadership & Capability Development- Build the NPI quality team from scratch; immediate priority is hiring and onboarding Band 10 Manager and additional senior resources
- Lead, coach, and develop a multi-level team (Band 10 Manager → Band 9 Programme Lead → Band 8 Engineers)
- Cultivate a quality culture grounded in data, challenge, and continuous improvement — not task-based compliance
- Influence cross-functional stakeholders (Engineering, Operations, SCM) without direct authority
Post-Launch & Supplier Quality- Establish post-launch monitoring systems and field data analysis feedback loops
- Partner with Supply Chain Management (SCM) on supplier qualification for NPI
- Drive Cost of Non-Quality (CoNQ) reduction initiatives linked to NPI outcomes
- Ensure lessons-learned loop-back from production to design phase
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or equivalent)
- Experience: 10 years, with the majority in NPD/NPI quality roles (not manufacturing/production quality); people management experience required
- Technical: APQP (hands-on NPI programme ownership), PFMEA/DFMEA, Control Plans, MSA/GR&R, SPC/Cpk, PPAP, FTA, NUDD, DfX methodology, Six Sigma (active practitioner, data analytics and team training), problem-solving tools (A3, 8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa, DOE), ISO 9001 deployment, IQC/MRB/audit management
- Leadership: Proven cross-functional influencer; ability to lead without direct authority; confident, direct communicator in multi-cultural and customer-facing environments; evidence-based approach with strong data fluency in senior reviews
- Certifications: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt minimum; Black Belt preferred. ASQ CQE or equivalent a plus
- Industry: PCBA (SMT/server/switch/TLA) and mechanical assemblies essential; cloud/connectivity hardware strongly preferred. Automotive electronics considered where candidate demonstrates clear awareness of pace and mindset shift required
