NPDI Prototyping Continuous Improvement Manager

The Global Product Development Office (GPDO) team mission is to continuously develop and improve our Product Lifecycle Management Processes, which includes New Product Development and Introduction (NPDI), Sustaining, and Phase Out. The Product Development Process and Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for identifying and leading initiatives that reduce Vertiv's product development cycle time - the manager will be responsible for defining and driving Operational Excellence in the product development process. Description for

Internal Candidates Job Title:

NPDI Prototyping Continuous Improvement Manager Function/Department:

Product Transformation/Products & Solutions Work Location:

Onsite at Westerville, OH Vertiv, a $ 10.0B global organization with nearly 31,000 employees, designs, builds and services critical infrastructure that enables vital applications for data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial facilities. We support today's growing mobile and cloud computing markets with a portfolio of power, thermal and infrastructure management solutions. Job Summary The Global Product Development Office (GPDO) team's mission is to continuously develop and improve Vertiv's Product Lifecycle Management processes, including New Product Development and Introduction (NPDI), sustaining, and phase-out. The NPDI Prototype Continuous Improvement Manager identifies and leads initiatives that reduce prototype cycle time and improve prototype quality across engineering prototypes, manufacturing prototypes, and pilot builds.

Key areas of responsibility include:

Improve cycle time and quality of engineering and manufacturing prototypes within the NPDI process. Define and track key prototype metrics/KPIs; lead data collection, analysis, and reporting to senior leadership. Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for prototype quality issues and build schedule delays; remove roadblocks to keep builds on track. Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Program Management, Procurement, and Advanced/Manufacturing Engineering to implement process and tooling improvements. Conduct on-site working sessions and workshops as needed ("go to the gemba") to observe processes, surface issues, and drive improvements. Provide regular status updates, progress, and improvement plans to senior leadership. The NPDI Prototype Continuous Improvement Manager executes prototype process improvements driven by operating model KPIs, leadership priorities, lessons learned, lean workshops, and Kaizen events. The role applies lean principles to reduce waste, standardize work through documented procedures, and support adoption through communication and training. The role supports on-the-job training for key NPDI process steps and drives improvements across the development process. The manager may also support Product Line Program Managers by documenting project critical paths, benchmarking portfolio norms, and identifying root causes and corrective actions for projects with high schedule slip and/or extended time-to-market (TTM). This role partners closely with Product Line Program Managers, Engineering, Advanced/Manufacturing Engineering, and Procurement to define critical-path steps and sequencing, remove roadblocks, and deliver measurable prototype process improvements. The NPDI Prototype Continuous Improvement Manager will work closely with the GPDO team and functions to implement necessary process improvements and actions.

Responsibilities:

Lead continuous improvement of NPDI prototype processes (engineering and manufacturing prototypes) to improve quality and reduce cycle time. Partner with Product Line development teams to identify root causes of process issues or schedule delays and implement permanent corrective actions. Report prototype process metrics, key insights, and improvement plans to senior leadership.

Requirements:

BS in Engineering or a closely related field, or equivalent required Advanced degree preferred but not required Design for Six Sigma / Lean Six Sigma / Design Thinking experience preferred 10+ years cumulative experience working in Operational Excellence and Continuous improvement, specifically in complex product development organizations - preferably ones with Phase Gate processes Strong communication skills to communicate effortlessly with PMO Leads and global functional leaders Be Self-Starter - be able to take high level instructions and convert them into comprehensive end to end action plans High self motivation, drive, and inquisitiveness to transform our business performance and strong curiosity and critical thinking skills to arrive to correct conclusions and drive proper countermeasures. Strong ability to summarize large amounts of information into clear and concise summaries for actioning Ability to take directions, lead ad-hoc teams, and drive for results Experience utilizing Google AppSheet is strongly preferred High proficiency in MS Office is required (including Excel Pivot Tables) The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv's Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.

OUR CORE PRINCIPALS

: Safety. Integrity. Respect. Teamwork. Diversity & Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

• Customer Focus
• Operational Excellence
• High-Performance Culture
• Innovation
• Financial Strength

OUR BEHAVIORS

• Own It
• Act With Urgency
• Foster a Customer-First Mindset
• Think Big and Execute
• Lead by Example
• Drive Continuous Improvement
• Learn and Seek Out Development About Vertiv At Vertiv, we offer the stability of a global leader in a growing industry and the opportunity of a startup.

We design, manufacture and service the mission-critical infrastructure technologies for vital applications in data centers, communication networks and commercial and industrial environments. With $8.0 billion in revenue, a strong customer base and global reach in nearly 70 countries, our move to establish a standalone business enables us to deliver greater value to our customers and create new opportunities for our people. Work Authorization No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire. Equal Opportunity Employer Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to help.join@vertiv.com.