New Product Introduction Manager

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®.

With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.

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Summary

We are seeking an experienced NPI (New Product Introduction) Manager to lead the successful development and launch of new products across multiple manufacturing sites and product lines. In this strategic leadership role, you will drive cross-functional teams through the Stage-Gate process, ensuring products move efficiently from concept to commercialization while meeting quality, cost, performance, and business objectives.

As a key member of the Engineering organization, you will collaborate closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to deliver successful product launches, optimize manufacturing readiness, and continuously improve the NPI framework to support innovation and speed to market.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead multiple New Product Introduction (NPI) projects through the Stage-Gate process, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and launch objectives are achieved.
• Manage cross-functional project teams spanning Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Commercial functions.
• Drive product commercialization efforts from concept development through full-scale production.
• Lead project reviews and provide executive-level updates on project status, risks, timelines, and key business decisions.
• Identify and mitigate technical, operational, and supply chain risks using structured problem-solving and risk management tools.
• Ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles are incorporated early in the product development process.
• Oversee production trials, validation activities, and manufacturing ramp-up across multiple sites.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to develop scalable production processes and define capital investment requirements.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators including quality, cost, manufacturability, and time-to-market.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the NPI process utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, FMEA, and other data-driven methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote effective knowledge transfer, documentation, and best practices across the organization.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Materials, or related discipline).
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering, manufacturing, or other technical teams.
• 2+ years of experience in product development, process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or New Product Introduction within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven success leading large-scale NPI projects through a Stage-Gate or similar product development process.
• Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM), FMEA, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process validation methodologies.
• Excellent project management, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.
• Experience within the building products manufacturing industry.
• Experience presenting project updates and recommendations to senior leadership teams.

Travel

• Ability to travel up to 10% to support manufacturing sites, project launches, and business initiatives.

What You’ll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $130,000 to $160,000. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.

At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.

• Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
• Insurance: health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
• Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
• Retirement: 401(k) with match
• Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
• Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie

This role is an opportunity to join the AZEK Group, LLC, a part of the James Hardie Building Products family of companies, where you’ll contribute to a culture driven by growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact. 

 

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law. 
James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.

The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.