TheĀ Director ofĀ Product Lifecycle ManagementĀ oversees the end-to-end process for managing part numbers within Operations. This includesĀ establishingĀ and maintaining procedures for reviewing, introducing, updating, and retiring both new and existing parts throughout their lifecycle.Ā
This role coordinates cross-functional reviews to ensure part changes are fully understood and properly executed in operational systemsĀ andĀ BillsĀ of Material (BOM).Ā ThisĀ person willĀ manageĀ part numbers in the ERP and related systems, review inventory levels and open orders, provide stocking and depletion recommendations, and track approved substitution and alternate parts to reduce supply risk.Ā Ā
The ProductĀ LifecycleĀ Manager isĀ also responsible for building andĀ maintainingĀ the processes used to manage part changes,Ā ECOsĀ and ensuring theĀ processes are consistently followed. The focus of the role isĀ governance,Ā execution, system accuracy, and follow-through ā making sure part changesĀ are available when needed,Ā do not create materialĀ shortagesĀ orĀ excess inventory, orĀ disruptĀ production.Ā
TheĀ Product Lifecycle ManagerĀ acts a projectĀ coordinatorĀ and hasĀ the uniqueĀ opportunity to work across multiple functionsāOperations, Strategic Sourcing, Engineering,Ā Quality, Sales,Ā Project Management,Ā andĀ ProductĀ ManagementĀ and gain full lifecycle exposure to our supply chain operations.Ā
In addition to traditional role requirements, this person willĀ focusĀ onĀ a dynamic environment with new suppliers and supply chain partners, balance process and risk, handle strategic cost,Ā and actively engage the supply chain and all supply chain partners.Ā
We are looking for a seasoned Product LifecycleĀ leaderĀ that has created and implemented processes.Ā This person is aĀ self starterĀ that can create,Ā manage, and lead the efforts of building this new function.Ā Ā
Part Lifecycle & Cross-Functional Management
- Create and govern the process for product lifecycle for the companyĀ Ā
- ManageĀ project plans forĀ the introduction, modification,Ā ECO,Ā substitution, and obsolescence of part numbers from a Supply Chain perspectiveĀ
- Document and create a stage gate approval processĀ Ā
- Coordinate cross-functional reviews to assess operational, inventory, and sourcing impacts of part changesĀ
- Ensure part-level decisions are documented and executed consistently with signoffs as neededĀ Ā
- Serve as the Supply ChainĀ project coordinatorĀ for part-lifecycle changesĀ
- DetermineĀ which projects are potentiallyĀ impactedĀ fromĀ partĀ number modificationsĀ
- Coordinate with Sales to ensure new product introduction meets project deliveryĀ timelinesĀ
- Create and manage gate processĀ withĀ signoffs forĀ introduction and replacementĀ productĀ
NPI Sourcing Support
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Partners with Engineering and potential new sources for design for manufacturing for new productsĀ
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Work withĀ the Sourcing Team to make sourcing selections for new productsĀ
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ParticipatingĀ in Strategic Sourcing ReviewsĀ
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Execute request for quotationsĀ on new revisions of productĀ in coordination with sourcingĀ Ā
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Participate in negotiations of supplier agreements includingĀ amendments for new productsĀ
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Partner with Sourcing, Engineering and Quality onĀ onboarding new potential sources and onboarding new products at existing sourcesĀ Ā
ERP and Systems Data Management
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Create, update, andĀ maintainĀ part numbers, BOMs, revisions inĀ PLM,Ā ERPĀ and related systemsĀ
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Maintain approved vendor lists, lead times, Minimum Order Quantities, and sourcing attributesĀ
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Track lifecycle status, replacements, and cross-references between part numbersĀ
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Ensure system data accurately reflects approved part configurationsĀ
Inventory, Stocking, & Substitution Control
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Review inventory levels, open orders, and demand for new, active, and EOL partsĀ
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IdentifyĀ supply risk and inventory exposure related to part changesĀ
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Provide stocking, depletion, and last-time-buy recommendationsĀ
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Maintain records of approved substitute and alternate partsĀ
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Ensure substitutions are approved, documented, and reflected in systemsĀ
Process Development & Execution
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Build,Ā maintain,Ā and govern theĀ processes for part-level NPI and EOL managementĀ
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CreateĀ and manageĀ product GANTT charts with validationsĀ and gate approvalsĀ Ā
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Develop and useĀ project plans,Ā checklists, trackers, and templates to support consistent executionĀ
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Support supply chain readiness for new parts, including sourcing and system setupĀ
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Track execution issues and follow up to closureĀ
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IdentifyĀ gaps and drive continuous improvement in part change executionĀ
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Present to team and leadership on NPI program and status with call to action forĀ awareness and actions.Ā Ā
Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical and operational information across teamsĀ
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Strong analytical skills, including the ability to review part, inventory, and system data toĀ identifyĀ risks and impactsĀ
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Strong time management and organizational skills to manage multiple part changes and meet internal deadlinesĀ
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Working knowledge of supply chain and operations fundamentals, including inventory management, sourcing, and material planningĀ
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Ability to apply formal supply chain education or training to practical, day-to-day operational executionĀ
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ProficiencyĀ in Microsoft Office applications, with advanced Excel skills and working knowledge of PowerPointĀ
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Experience with PLM and ERP experience, Arena and NetSuite preferred.Ā Ā
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Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, early-stage environment with changing prioritiesĀ
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Strong customer service mindset when supporting internal stakeholders and cross-functional teamsĀ
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NPI experience withĀ ability to implement a new process and manageĀ Ā
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Strong project management skills including the use of project management software Monday.com or relatedĀ softwareĀ
Experience
- Bachelorās degree in supply chain, Engineering, ProjectĀ ManagementĀ or related fieldĀ Ā
- 15 years of combined NPI, Lifecycle, Supply Chain, Project ManagementĀ Ā
- 8+ years of ManagementĀ Ā
- Experience with steel manufacturers (preferred)Ā Ā