NPI Operations Program Specialist I - Onsite

Join Starkey as an NPI Operations Program Specialist I at its global headquarters in Eden Prairie, MN. Be at the forefront of innovation and make an impact from concept, design, validation, ramp up to the customer. As our NPI Operations Program Specialist I, you'll lead cross-functional teams to bring new products to life-ensuring smooth transitions from development to manufacturing and delivering top-tier quality to our customers. You'll collaborate with experts across Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Sourcing, Planning, Wireless, FW, and more-owning projects from start to finish. If you're organized, detail-oriented, and ready to drive results in a fast-paced, high-tech environment, we want to hear from you!

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

The New Production Integration (NPI) Operations Program Specialist I serves as the Operations Core Team representative for projects and programs to ensure outstanding product quality and successful product launch. The role ensures a seamless introduction of new products into manufacturing while ensuring the manufactured product meets expectations for the customer and the intended Operations requirements for each program. This role will support an Operations team of multiple internal functions during early product development through design transfer and post-launch. This is the accountable resource for the Operations team representing Quality, Mfg Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Planning & Distribution. Capable of managing one or more small to medium size/complete projects.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/RESULTS

• Facilitate the successful transfer of products into operations
  
  
  
  • Function 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 as 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, 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.
• Perform other duties/responsibilities as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Education, Certification and Experience Requirements

• Education
  
  
  
  • BS, BA or similar degree with an emphasis in manufacturing, operations, or equivalent is desired.
  
  
  
  
• Experience
  
  
  
  • Minimum 0-2 years working in operations, manufacturing, process engineering, or related.
  • Minimum 0-2 years' work experience in a project orientated environment.
  • Basic understanding in operations, manufacturing, process engineering, or related.
  
  
  
  

Knowledge / Technical Requirements

• Knowledge of 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

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and coordinate multiple activities with a wide variety of disciplines within the organization
• 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

WORK CONTEXT

Working Conditions

• Standard office conditions
• Position may require up to 10% travel at peak project activity

Equipment Operation

• Standard office equipment
  
  

Salary and Other Compensation:

The target rate for this position is between $56,210 to $89,115/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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