Manfacturing
Website:
dmimfg.com
Job details:
Job Description – NPD Manager (New Product Development)
Industry: Home Furnishing Manufacturing
Product Category: Drapery & Upholstery Fabrics
Location: [Location]
Experience: 8–15 Years
Position Overview
We are looking for an experienced NPD (New Product Development) Manager to lead the development of innovative drapery and upholstery fabric collections for the domestic and international markets. The ideal candidate should possess strong technical expertise in woven home furnishing fabrics, market trend analysis, product innovation, and end-to-end product development from concept to commercialization.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the complete New Product Development (NPD) process for drapery and upholstery fabrics.
- Research global design trends, customer preferences, and competitor products to develop commercially successful collections.
- Develop new fabric constructions, textures, finishes, colours, and performance features aligned with market requirements.
- Work closely with Design, Weaving, Dyeing, Processing, Quality, Merchandising, Procurement, and Production teams to ensure timely product development.
- Coordinate with yarn and chemical suppliers to source innovative raw materials and finishes.
- Plan and execute product trials, sample developments, and pilot production runs.
- Evaluate fabric performance including durability, abrasion resistance, colour fastness, shrinkage, pilling, and other quality parameters.
- Ensure all developments meet customer specifications, quality standards, and manufacturing feasibility.
- Prepare product specifications, technical sheets, costing inputs, and development documentation.
- Drive value engineering and cost optimization without compromising product quality.
- Manage multiple development projects simultaneously while meeting launch timelines.
- Present new collections and product concepts to management and key customers.
- Support the Sales and Marketing teams during product launches and customer presentations.
- Maintain close coordination with international buyers, sourcing teams, and internal stakeholders.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of woven drapery and upholstery fabric development.
- Expertise in yarns, fabric constructions, weave designs, GSM, finishing processes, and fabric performance standards.
- Understanding of weaving technologies including Jacquard and Dobby constructions.
- Knowledge of dyeing, printing, coating, and specialty finishes used in home furnishing fabrics.
- Familiarity with textile testing standards and quality assurance processes.
- Strong analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional coordination abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (SAP/Oracle or equivalent preferred).
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor's Degree/Diploma in Textile Technology, Textile Engineering, Fabric Technology, or a related field.
- Postgraduate qualification in Textile Management or Product Development will be an added advantage.
Preferred Experience
- 8–15 years of experience in Home Furnishing Textile Manufacturing.
- Hands-on experience in developing Drapery and Upholstery Fabrics for domestic and export markets.
- Experience working with large home textile manufacturers, fabric mills, or furnishing brands is highly preferred.
- Exposure to international quality standards and buyer requirements will be an advantage.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Successful launch of new product collections.
- On-time completion of development projects.
- Commercial success and customer acceptance of new products.
- Cost optimization through innovative product engineering.
- Reduction in development cycle time.
- Product quality and first-time-right development success rate.
Interested candidate can email there CV on michael@vivanrecruitments.com OR call at 8928144311
Click on Apply to know more.