NPI Manager - Product Development & Industrialisation M/F

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors. By combining human and technological intelligence, the company develops products and services for both civil and military customers, operating on land, at sea, in the air and in space.

Safran - Here, we craft excellence together. At Safran, excellence is a journey and we'd love you to be a part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.

About Safran Actuation Systems UK Safran Actuation Systems UK is a world class centre for the design, manufacture and support of cutting-edge actuation and flight control solutions used across commercial, military and rotary platforms. With major sites in Wolverhampton and Banbury, our teams play a critical role in delivering innovative, reliable and safe systems that keep aircraft performing at their best.With major sites in Wolverhampton and Banbury, our teams play a critical role in delivering innovative, reliable and safe systems that keep aircraft performing at their best.

Role Overview

As NPI Manager - Product development & Industrialisation, you will lead the Manufacturing Engineering NPI team responsible for the development and industrialisation of new and modified products across the Actuation business. With involvement from the early stages of product development, you will support design maturity, manufacturability assessments and manufacturing readiness throughout the full NPI lifecycle, ensuring safe, on-time and cost-effective delivery while meeting quality and operational requirements. Working closely with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Programme Management and suppliers, you will provide both technical and people leadership to deliver robust manufacturing solutions and support business growth.

Key Responsibilities

NPI & Manufacturing Engineering Leadership

• Lead Manufacturing Engineering activities across the early development, NPI and industrialisation phases of new and modified products.
• Support product development activities from the early stages of the lifecycle, contributing manufacturing engineering input to design and programme decisions.
• Define and deliver NPI plans aligned to programme milestones.
• Drive the application of APQP, DFx, Systems Engineering, PFMEA, Control Plans and production readiness processes.

Product/Process Development & Industrialisation

• Lead the development and industrialisation of robust, scalable manufacturing processes.
• Work closely with Engineering teams to ensure product requirements are understood and translated into manufacturing methods, tooling, equipment and process controls.
• Support design reviews and manufacturability assessments to help de-risk product introduction and production readiness.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Develop, mentor and lead a high-performing NPI Manufacturing Engineering team.
• Manage resource planning, performance, capability development and succession planning.
• Establish engineering standards, best practices and continuous improvement across the function.

Programme & Stakeholder Management

• Manage manufacturing engineering plans, resources, risks and recovery actions.
• Represent Manufacturing Engineering at programme reviews and business forums.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Drive Lean, Six Sigma and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Identify opportunities to improve industrialisation processes, manufacturing technologies, automation and digitalisation.

Looking after the people who make Safran great is our priority. We offer a range of flexible benefits designed to support you-both in and out of work, including:

• Competitive salary
• Company performance bonus scheme
• Pension scheme - up to 10% employer contribution
• Private medical insurance
• Comprehensive health cash plan
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Flexible benefits programme (buy & sell holiday allowance, discounted gym memberships, Maternity/ adoption leave- up to 52 weeks, first 26 weeks at full pay, subsequent 26 at 50% (basic pay) and Paternity/Non-Pregnant Parent/ Co-adopter leave 4 weeks full pay)
• Structured training & opportunities to progress

We understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger. We are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone. We know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert. We encourage anybody to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role. Please let us know if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the hiring process that may better facilitate your participation.

Why Safran?

• A global presence: Be part of a global aerospace, defence & space business with over 100,000 Colleagues, across 300 sites in 30 countries.
• Inclusive & empowering environment: We celebrate our differences and believe they make us stronger. We know that a fulfilling work environment is a key driver for innovative ideas and team success.
• Innovation at the core: Join our mission to decarbonise aerospace and make the world a safer place. Your ambitions can take us further.
• Mobility & training opportunities: We can support your ambitions with training, development, a personalised career plan and mobility opportunities. If you have big dreams, we'll support you to make them a reality.
• A culture of excellence: Join a team that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement. Whatever your background, together we aim for excellence.

What you'll bring :

• Degree or apprentice trained in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in Manufacturing Engineering, with successful delivery of NPI and industrialisation programmes from product development through to production launch.
• Experience supporting products during the early stages of development and contributing manufacturing engineering input to design, DFx and product maturity activities.
• Experience leading and developing technical teams.
• Strong knowledge of NPI, APQP, DFx, Systems Engineering and requirements management.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, tooling, equipment and process development.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering teams to support product development, design reviews and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Strong understanding of PFMEA, Control Plans, process validation, capability studies and production readiness.
• Experience managing projects, technical risks, budgets and programme milestones across the product lifecycle