NPI Manager

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. We are on a mission to decrease the health impact of our industry.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to Be The Change. Come, join us on this journey!

JOB TITLE: NPI Manager – 2 years contract

FUNCTION: Operations

LOCATION: Lahore, Pakistan

ROLE POSITIONING AND OBJECTIVES

The NPI Manager will be responsible for managing the operational delivery and project management within the New Product Introduction (NPI) function operated by APMEA WEST DRBU.

WHAT YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR

Operational:

• On-Time and in-Full (OTIF) delivery of all basic and complex projects assigned with high proficiency. Ability to manage complex project independently with minimal involvement from line manager.
• NPI update and reporting – ensure alignment between teams on NPI readiness and daily direction setting.
• End-to-end project management of NPI deployment
• Develop full project plan with input from functional experts.  Monitor and manage project schedule as per the project plan.
• Provide Product Development Team (PDT) with visibility of project status.  Effective and timely signposts of decisions required to drive OTIF.
• Enable informed decision making for Commercial Business Partner i.e., Brands
• Effective signpost of NPI related project costs to budget holders including tooling, trials/MQS and WMS write-off
• Use of effective tools e.g., Z2 planning to drive WMS write-off reduction. 
• Collaborate with partners at all levels to develop aligned plans & priorities, resolve project issues and secure support necessary to assure project delivery with the right level of insights to facilitate informed decision making.
• Establish, lead, and empower cross functional teams vital to successfully deliver projects and drive and support collaboration within and across teams, functions and end-markets.
• Cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with Commercial business partners and the NPI Community including Product Development, Product Assurance, Packaging Development, SCIP, Quality, Factory & Regional NPI
• Support and contribute to NPI continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support governance and compliance of the services provided against GBS frameworks, as well as ensuring compliance to local data privacy, security and internal controls regulations for the markets served.
• Proactive continuous improvement activities supporting the Process Owner and driven by Delivery Excellence teams.
• Ensure proper delivery against all pre-determined KPIs.

Project Management:

• Ensures that projects are proceeding according to timelines, meeting targets and expectations, and adhering to established operating parameters; negotiates changes in project resources as necessary to achieve objectives and timelines.
• Managing project risks and ensure adequate risk mitigation is in place.
• Deal with operational issues and negotiate and resolve issues as they arise.
• Prepares and monitors team’s and project cost to serve to manage spending within budgets.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE

• The jobholder should be
  • a strong communicator
  • able to manage larger project teams.
  • builds partnership with partners.
  • agile when dealing with ambiguity
  • handles pressure well
  • has credibility within domain
  • passion for developing managers and SMEs
  • demonstrate initiative, adaptability and problem-solving skills

• Comprehensive understanding of the E2E-processes for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and New Product Introduction (NPI)
• Minimum of 4 years of progressive work experience in the operational delivery of these services, ideally in a end markets / shared service center, with senior partner management and project management in an organisation of similar scale.
• Minimum Qualifications: Four-year university degree with focus on related areas, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experiences in Operations (manufacturing or supply chain) would be an added advantage.
• Excellent communication, people management and change management skills as well as ability to manage relationships professionally.
• Proven ability to successfully manage projects through strong project management.
• Good organizational skills with inherent discipline in keeping documentation on projects up-to-date and in order.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with employees at all levels, and an ability to influence effectively without authority – understands and appreciates the merit of collaborative work.
• Solid understanding of supply chain principles, core processes and systems
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects that vary in complexity and priority.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills - both written and verbal.
• Flexibility to adjust working style in an ever-changing business environment and ready to work by following the different time zones if required (i.e., partners based in Dubai).
• Independent and takes ownership of tasks whilst displaying a skillset for troubleshooting.
• Disciplined in paperwork and records management to manage healthy, auditable projects.
• Leadership qualities to champion and guide on the new ways of working
• Projects assigned managed professionally in accordance with NPI process and ultimately OTIF delivered.
• Partners, functional experts, and operations functions are informed of project scope, requirements and regularly updated on status including stall points to ensure timely issues resolution.
• Experience of leading culturally diverse teams
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with different international cultures.
• Fluent English (verbal and written), Strong MS-Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Good eye for details with a “hands-on” and “can do” attitude.
• Delivery of results under extremely tight and stressful timelines
• Assertiveness with a "can do" attitude to follow things through whilst dealing with immense ambiguity.
• Outstanding EQ and "political navigational" skills i.e., Influencing effectively without authority in a cross-cultural environment across varied management levels (from project teams to project boards)

What we offer you?
•    We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
•    Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
•    Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
•    You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
•    We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.