Supply Chain Planning Manager - NPI

COMPANY PROFILE Location:             Waterbeach, UK Department:        Production Reports to:          Operations Director Type:                   Full-time, Permanent  Thermoteknix Systems Ltd, founded in 1982 and based in Cambridge, is a world leader in thermal imaging, night vision, and augmented reality systems. Our award-winning technologies are trusted by defence, security, and industrial customers in over 70 countries. With in-house R&D, cutting-edge innovation, and a global reputation for quality, we design and manufacture solutions that perform in the toughest environments. ABOUT YOU Thermoteknix is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Manufacturing Manager to lead and develop all manufacturing and production operations across the business. The role is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, high-quality and scalable production of advanced thermal imaging and sensing systems, supporting both current programmes and future growth.  The successful candidate will oversee production planning, manufacturing, assembly, test operations, supply chain coordination, quality performance and continuous improvement initiatives. They will play a key leadership role in delivering operational excellence within a high-technology, regulated manufacturing environment.  Key Responsibilities  Production Leadership  * Lead daily production activities to achieve delivery, quality and efficiency targets. * Ensure manufacturing schedules are executed effectively to meet customer demand.  * Coordinate cross-functional teams to support smooth production operations.   * Drive accountability and performance across all production areas.   * Support new product introduction and transition into manufacturing.   Manufacturing & Operations * Oversee manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient and cost-effective production.   * Oversee purchasing and supplier coordination to maintain continuity of supply.   * Ensure ERP/MRP systems are effectively utilised to support operations.  * Identify and mitigate operational risks affecting delivery or product quality.  * Monitor operational KPI’s and implement corrective action where required.   Quality & Compliance * Maintain compliance with quality, regulatory, and health and safety standards.   * Ensure manufacturing processes meet ISO and customer quality requirements.  * Support audit readiness and continuous compliance across operations. *  Promote a culture of quality and process discipline throughout manufacturing. Continuous Improvement  * Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.  * Drive lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives.  * Improve production flow, capacity utilisation, and on time delivery performance. * Analyse operational data to support informed decision-making and improvement actions.  * Lead change initiatives that support business growth and scalability.   * Support automation and digital manufacturing initiatives where appropriate. People Management  * Lead, mentor, and develop manufacturing and operational teams.  * Foster a positive, accountable, and high-performance working environment.  * Support employee development through coaching and performance management.  * Ensure effective communication across departments and operational teams.  * Promote employee engagement and adherence to company values.  Commercial & Strategic Contribution  * Contribute to operational strategy and long-term business objectives.  * Support cost control and margin improvement initiatives across manufacturing.   * Collaborate with the leadership team to support growth and investment planning.  * Align manufacturing capability with customer and commercial requirements.  * Provide operational insight and reporting to support strategic decision-making.  * Liaise with commercial teams to align manufacturing capacity with customer demand forecasts.  Required Experience  * Proven leadership experience running a manufacturing environment with highly configurable products.  * Strong understanding of production planning, purchasing, and supply chain operations.  * Experience managing operational performance and continuous improvement initiatives.  * Knowledge of quality systems, compliance, and manufacturing best practices.  * Extensive experience working with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing KPIs.  * Experience leading multidisciplinary production teams.  * Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.  * Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.  * Experience working within ISO-regulated environments.  * Engineering or technical degree qualification.  Desirable Experience * Experience within defence, aerospace, electronics, or high-technology manufacturing.  * Knowledge of lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.  * Experience managing low-volume, high-complexity production environments.  * Experience in evaluating, selection and implementation of a new ERP/MPR system.   * Experience supporting NPI (New Product Introduction).  * Familiarity with regulated or export-controlled manufacturing operations.  * Engineering or technical manufacturing background preferred. WHY US? What We Offer  * Opportunity to lead manufacturing operations within an innovative and globally respected advanced technology business.  * Significant scope to shape manufacturing capability, manufacturing systems, and future production strategy.  * Exposure to cutting-edge thermal imaging, sensing, and defence technologies.  * Competitive senior-level salary, performance-related bonus, pension contribution, and benefits package. * Professional development and long-term career growth opportunities within a rapidly evolving technology environment.

The opportunity As an R&D Quality Engineer, you will ensure quality excellence across New Product Introduction (NPI) projects and enhancements to the active product portfolio. Reporting to the TC Quality Manager, you will partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and certification teams to ensure products are designed, validated, and released in full compliance with internal processes and external standards. This role is ideal for a hands‑on quality professional with engineering mindset who thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative, and international R&D environment. Responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures and guidelines. How You’ll Make an Impact Lead quality execution across NPI projects, from concept and feasibility through product qualification, certification, and release, ensuring milestones, deliverables, verification, and validation requirements are met. Integrate quality requirements into project planning, ensuring quality objectives are clearly defined, understood, and embedded throughout all development phases for new and existing products. Drive proactive quality risk management, facilitating DFMEA, PFMEA, Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and reliability assessments; define critical‑to‑quality (CTQ) characteristics and support development of Quality Control Plans. Support and coordinate internal and external audits, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, ensuring audit readiness, tracking findings, and driving timely closure of corrective actions. Lead Root Cause Analyses (RCA) related to NPI issues, problem reports, and design changes, implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Monitor project quality performance, identify gaps in quality planning or execution, capture lessons learned, and proactively recommend improvements to strengthen future projects and processes. Your Background Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or relevant work experience from related field. Understanding of Quality Management Systems and structured NPI frameworks (e.g., Stage‑Gate, APQP). Knowledge regarding FMEA, DFM/DFA, PPAP, RCA, and other core quality tools. Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt preferred. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional and international teams. Proactive, analytical, and solution‑oriented mindset with a passion for continuous improvement. Ability to travel internationally is expected in the role. What we offer Collective agreement Flexible working time Health care and wellness allowance Fantastic career possibilities within Hitachi Energy both within Sweden and globally Mentor to support you throughout onboard phase ​Various trainings and education supporting employee development Diversified company with over 70+ nationalities working in Sweden Supplementary compensation for parental leave ​Employee Benefit Portal with thousands of discounts and perks More about us  Are you ready for a new exciting challenge? Does the above description sound like you? Welcome to apply! Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so don’t delay – apply today! Recruiting Manager, Mauricio Aristizabal, mauricio.aristizabal@hitachienergy.com, will answer your questions about the position. Union representatives – Sveriges Ingenjörer: Philip Bengtsson, +46 107-38 25 17; Unionen: Michael Fosselius, +46 107-38 46 19; Ledarna: Frank Hollstedt, +46 107-38 70 43. All other questions can be directed to Talent Acquisition Partner Julia Wiklund, julia.wiklund1@hitachienergy.com