Global NPD Program Manager

Global New Product Development (NPD) Program Manager
Location: Galway
Reports to: Director, New Product Development
Travel: Up to 10% annually
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview
The NPD Program Manager plays a critical role in driving the successful execution of new product development projects from concept through commercialization. Working cross-functionally with departments including Marketing, Product Innovation, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Sales, this role ensures timely, efficient, and compliant delivery of product initiatives aligned with the company’s strategic objectives.
The ideal candidate brings strong project management expertise, is highly organized, and excels in navigating complex cross-functional environments—particularly those involving global product launches.

Key Responsibilities
NPD Project Planning & Execution

• Manage multiple new product development projects from initiation to launch, ensuring alignment with scope, timelines, and deliverables.
• Develop and maintain project charters, timelines, and status reports for active initiatives.
• Facilitate the stage-gate process, ensuring milestone achievement and stakeholder approvals.
• Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to prevent project delays.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a central liaison across NPD, Regulatory, Quality, Supply Chain, and Marketing teams.
• Partner with the Global NPD Quality Lead to ensure adherence to quality systems and documentation standards.
• Coordinate with Operations and Marketing to support Go-to-Market (GTM) readiness and product launch execution.
• Engage with external partners, including vendors and contract manufacturers, to ensure alignment with project goals.

Process Optimization & Workflow Management

• Identify and implement improvements in NPD workflows, approvals, and document management.
• Enhance project visibility and efficiency using tools such as Smartsheet, Tableau, or equivalent platforms.
• Support the creation and refinement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and best practices for NPD.

Budget & Resource Management

• Assist in monitoring project budgets to ensure cost-effective execution across development phases.
• Track resource allocation and manage team capacity to prevent bottlenecks and maintain delivery momentum.

Performance Tracking & Reporting

• Collaborate with NPD Operations to monitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs):
  • Time-to-market
  • Budget adherence
  • Quality metrics
• Deliver weekly project updates and monthly executive-level summaries.
• Conduct post-launch reviews to measure success and identify areas for continuous improvement.

Training & Stakeholder Engagement

• Deliver training on NPD processes, tools, and governance to cross-functional teams.
• Support global alignment by communicating project updates and ensuring regional stakeholder engagement.

General Administration & Ad-Hoc Duties

• Assist with project documentation, dashboards, and reporting tools.
• Support product demos, internal events, and executive presentations.
• Collaborate across time zones with global teams, including occasional evening meetings when required.
• Stay current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices impacting NPD.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support the success of the NPD team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in project or program management within product development.
• Familiarity with medical device, healthcare, or regulated industries is a plus.
• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project, Tableau, Confluence).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence across functions.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously.