NPI Operations Program Manager

Starkey is adding an NPI Operations Program Manager to its Operations team in Eden Prairie, MN. We’re looking for a leader with 10+ years of experience in project-oriented environments, expertise in problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies, and a passion for driving cross-functional teams toward results. Are you a problem solver who enjoys bringing teams together, removing roadblocks, and turning new product concepts into successful product launches?

In this role, you’ll serve as the Operations Core Team representative, leading operational readiness from early product development through design transfer and post-launch. You’ll help ensure new products transition seamlessly into manufacturing, meet customer and operational expectations, and launch with outstanding quality.

You’ll lead a cross-functional Operations team spanning Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Planning, and Distribution, creating alignment, removing barriers, and driving accountability throughout the product development lifecycle.

Starkey is a world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of advanced hearing technologies. We are in the business of connecting people and changing lives. Our teams come to work each day focused on ensuring people everywhere have the products and services they need to hear better and live better. Founded in 1967 by Bill Austin, Starkey is known for our cutting-edge hearing health innovations, industry-leading research and development, and not being afraid to push the edge of what’s possible. We are headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, have over 5,000 employees in 29 facilities across the globe, and do business in more than 100 markets worldwide.

Watch this video to see more of what sets Starkey apart.

https://youtu.be/9cUYwTlCepg?si=wkovx8_R_iINfrc6

Approach and Deployment

• Facilitate the successful transfer of products into operations
• Act as the key liaison between R&D and Operations
• Accountable for the completion of transfer activities required for product commercialization, including DHR and DMR elements
• Partner with the Operations and Supply Chain teams to ensure that the demand, supply, and capacity plans meet requirements for validation and launch readiness
• Manage the Operations risks and issues related to the product transfer, implementing preventative action where possible
• Represent Operations on new product core teams. This is the accountable resource.
• Work with product teams to accomplish needed Operations objectives and deliverables according to required processes, procedures and regulations.
• Collaborate with team members and stakeholders in solving problems and implementing solutions.
• Oversee Operations related readiness reviews, communicate recommendations and actions to senior Operations leadership regularly.
• Influence and guide product teams to avoid or mitigate manufacturing-related challenges
• Analyze risk/tradeoffs and make recommendations of appropriate path forward for new products
• Make and execute recommendations for process improvements for the New Product Operations (NPO) team
• Suggest, lead, and execute solutions related to business issues and opportunities related to NPO
• Quickly identify barriers to progress and execute team plan for success in and out of specific events
• Provide direction to the manufacturing team to execute the ramp-up plan to ensure adequate stock on hand at release.
• Apply critical thinking to resolve systemic issues that occur during each program to improve our ability to release a Quality product on schedule.

Job Requirements:

Education:

• BS, BA or similar degree with an emphasis in manufacturing, operations, or equivalent is desired

Experience:

• Minimum 15 years working in operations, manufacturing, process engineering, or related.
• Minimum 10 years work experience in project orientated environment.

Knowledge

• Expert in problem solving and continuous improvement tools and methodology, such as Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen or comparable business systems
• Knowledge of ERP and PLM systems
• Knowledge and experience in cGMP, ISO13485, and FDA QMS preferred

Skills & Abilities

• Willing to be hands-on in a manufacturing environment
• Able to work with autonomy and prioritize work to manage several tasks at once without frequent direction.
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong problem-solving skills, Six Sigma Black Belt certification is preferred
• Influencer who can change peer behavior without direct reporting relationship
• Position may require up to 10% travel at peak project activity

Salary and Other Compensation:

The target rate for this position is between $105,000 to $124,000/year. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

Benefits:
The following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, company-paid life insurance, short-term disability insurance, long term disability insurance, employee assistance program, hearing aid benefits, paid time off, paid sick time, and paid holidays.

This position is eligible for a bonus based upon performance results. There is no guarantee of payout.

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