Head of New Product Introduction - Machinery Construction

INTRODUCTION

Do you bring deep technical roots in complex machine construction and the authority to lead the industrialization of high-precision systems? Are you ready to take full ownership of New Product Introduction (NPI) activities in a production-driven, multidisciplinary environment?

As Head of New Product Introduction within the company, you will lead a team of 10 professionals - including project managers and NPI engineers - and take the lead in transitioning customer-specific, build-to-spec machines into full-scale production. You report directly to the General Manager and are part of the senior management team.

With over 10 years of experience in machine building and at least 5 years of hands-on NPI leadership, you understand the technical and operational challenges of design, construction and introduction of complex equipment into demanding production environments - such as medical, semiconductors, aerospace and defence.

FUNCTION

As Head of New Product Introduction, you are responsible for the successful industrialization of complex, customer-specific machines. You lead and are responsible for the full NPI process - from machine design, production, iteration, certification, factory acceptance, transfer to the client, commissioning and trouble shooting - ensuring that both the design and build are fully aligned with the client's requirements and specifications, manufacturability, serviceability, and operational goals.

You manage a team of 10 professionals (project managers and NPI engineers) and act as the key link between engineering and operations. In this role, you drive the translation of complex mechanical and mechatronic designs into scalable production solutions, setting the standards and structure for NPI across the company.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Leading the complete New Product Introduction department, with direct involvement in machine design, production and delivery to the clients, in the domains of medical, semi-conductors, aerospace and defence.
• Managing and developing the NPI team ( 10 FTE), including project managers and NPI engineers.
• Reviewing and translating mechanical and system-level designs into manufacturable, testable and supportable machines.
• Driving design-for-manufacturing principles and ensuring engineering output is ready for production.
• Defining and implementing standardized NPI workflows, KPIs, tools and reporting structures.
• Identifying industrialization risks early and aligning mitigation across design, supply chain and production.
• Acting as the central interface between internal departments (R&D, manufacturing, quality, supply chain) and key customers.
• Coordinating with and securing external partners and suppliers to support industrialization.
• Working in accordance to the applicable safety standards and certification processes.
• Monitoring project performance on lead time, budget, planning, quality and first-time-right metrics.
• Secure technical know-how by providing the necessary documentation and work instructions.
• Acting as first point-of-contact for clients and internal stake holders.
• Reporting directly to the General Manager and being part of the senior management team.

YOUR PROFILE

We are looking for a technically strong and organizationally mature professional with the experience and authority to lead New Product Introduction in a high-tech, build-to-spec environment. You are comfortable operating at senior management level while staying close to the technical and operational reality of machines, processes, and people.

You match the following profile:

• You hold a master's degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, manufacturing engineering or a related technical field.
• You have at least 10 years of experience in machine construction, including 5+ years in leading a team of engineers, including 5+ years in NPI or industrialization projects, with a preference to low volume and high-mix, and had your first experience in senior management.
• You have experience managing multidisciplinary teams and know how to translate complex customer requirements into internal action.
• You have a solid understanding of machine design and build, and are confident challenging engineering and production decisions.
• You are familiar with industrialization in high-tech sectors such as medical devices, semiconductors, defence and/or aerospace, by preference in a production environment.
• You know how to structure and scale NPI processes, and how to align teams around planning, quality and manufacturability.
• You have experience with working with clients and internal stake holders, on technical, commercial and business level.
• You have experience working with external suppliers and partners, and can represent the company in technical and commercial discussions with customers.
• You bring structure, ownership and energy, and enjoy turning complexity into reliable outcomes.
• You are fluent in English and Dutch.

OUR OFFER

• A key leadership role in New Product Introduction within a technically advanced, project-based production environment.
• Full ownership over the NPI function and leadership of the NPI team, including direct impact on engineering, manufacturing, and customer success.
• A strategic position within the senior management team, with visibility and influence across the organization.
• A competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including: 27 vacation days and 13 additional (ADV) days and a solid pension scheme.
• The opportunity to work on cutting-edge machinery for international clients in medical, defence, semiconductor and aerospace industries.
• A modern, innovation-driven company culture.
• Personal development and career growth opportunities toward operational or general management.
• A dynamic, technically driven work environment with modern infrastructure and high-quality engineering teams.
• A collaborative and supportive team culture with regular social activities such as Friday drinks, barbecues, and seasonal team events.

INTERESTED? APPLY FOR THE JOB!

If you are interested in this position please apply via Linked-In or send an email to .

FINDERS FEE

The intermediary who assists us in finding the right candidate leading to a successful hire will be rewarded with a referral bonus.