(Senior) NPI Manager (all genders)
About tonies:
Joining our tonies team means being part of an inspiring mission to create innovative and meaningful experiences for children around the world. Together, we’re shaping the future of play, learning, and imagination.
You as part of tonies:
As NPI Manager (all genders), you play a key role in driving the successful operational execution of new product launches and product changes. Reporting directly to the Head of NPI Operations, you are responsible for managing NPI programs end-to-end - from industrialization readiness through ramp-up into stable serial production.
Your mission is to ensure that new products and changes are launched on time, at target quality, and within planned costs by orchestrating cross-functional execution across tonies’ global value chain. You act as the operational backbone of the launch process, ensuring structure, transparency, and reliable delivery.
This role sits within the Global Product Industrialization organization and works closely with Product Development, Product Industrialization, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Product & Portfolio Management.
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- Own the operational execution of NPI projects in alignment with tonies’ Product Development & Product Variations Process (PDP).
- Plan, coordinate, and track all operational NPI milestones from the prototype phase through ramp-up and handover to serial production.
- Ensure full launch readiness across product, process, supply chain, and production.
- Actively drive, track, and ensure the closure of all open topics, gaps, and action items throughout the launch lifecycle.
- Operate and maintain Launch Control Tower structures as the single source of truth for NPI status, risks, and dependencies.
- Identify, assess, and actively manage risks, issues, and mitigation actions.
- Prepare, facilitate, and follow up on Launch Readiness Reviews, Ramp-up Reviews, and escalation forums.
- Ensure full transparency and accountability for all open points, including clear ownership, timelines, and escalation where needed.
- Act as the operational interface between Product Development, Product Industrialization, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain and Production.
- Support a seamless transition from development to serial production in close coordination with manufacturing sites and suppliers.
- Align closely with Product & Portfolio teams on launch priorities and timelines.
- Identify improvement opportunities within NPI processes, tools, and cross-functional interfaces.
- Contribute to lessons-learned activities and feedback loops between development and industrialization.
What we are looking for:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a comparable field.
- 4–7 years of professional experience in NPI, program/project management, industrialization, or operations.
- Hands-on experience managing cross-functional projects in a manufacturing or product-driven environment (e.g., consumer electronics, toys, automotive).
- Experience in ramp-up management, supplier coordination, and production readiness.
- Familiarity with PLM, ERP, and/or MES systems is a plus.
- Fluent in English; German is a strong advantage.
- Strong ownership mindset with a structured, execution-oriented working style.
- Excellent communication and coordination skills across functions and cultures.
- Analytical thinking with confidence in managing KPIs, risks, and dependencies.
- Resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Team-oriented, hands-on, and driven by operational excellence.
Why tonies?
- Global Teamwork: We collaborate across departmental and country borders on our vision to bring the Toniebox into every child's room in the world.
- Come as you are: This applies not only to the dress code but also to everything else. Because only where you truly feel comfortable can you give your best.
- Mobility: Choose the option that suits you best - a Deutschlandticket (public transport ticket) for unlimited mobility, a monthly contribution for an office parking space, a leasing bicycle, or a remote work subsidy.
- Enhanced Security: Benefit from subsidies for company pension plans, occupational pension schemes, and occupational disability insurance.
- Rest & Time Off: Enjoy 30 days of paid annual leave as well as three additional days off such as Rosenmontag, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve. After one year of employment, you can also use up to 10 "toniecation days" (unpaid leave days).
- Continuous Learning: Benefit from our internal and external training opportunities as well as an individual learning budget to continuously expand your knowledge.
- Language Learning & Relaxation: Improve your communication skills with the language learning app Babbel and find relaxation through our access to the meditation app Calm.
- Discounts: Benefit from attractive discounts on our entire range of tonies products.
Good to know:
We look forward to hearing from you!
Lisa Weyers
Talent Acquisition Manager
