NPD Manager (DFM Outdoor Furniture)

Role Overview

We are looking for an innovative and technically proficient NPD Manager – DFM Outdoor Furniture to lead the design modification, re-engineering, and industrialization of outdoor furniture products.

The primary objective of this role is to ensure every outdoor furniture design adheres to Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and 3-pick assembly principles — focusing on manufacturability, durability, cost efficiency, and ease of assembly for the end customer.

The role requires a blend of product design sensibility, engineering knowledge, material expertise (metal, wood, wicker, fabric, etc.), and understanding of outdoor performance standards .

Key Responsibilities

1. Product Design, Modification & Re-engineering

Lead the redesign and re-engineering of existing outdoor furniture SKUs to achieve modularity and 3-pick assembly readiness.

Translate design concepts into manufacturing-ready engineering drawings and 3D models optimized for cost, strength, weather performance, and easy assembly.

Conduct value engineering to reduce complexity, materials, and tooling costs while maintaining product strength and aesthetics.

Optimize furniture construction for flat-pack shipping, minimal hardware, and rapid assembly .

Collaborate with design and NPD teams to balance aesthetic appeal, ergonomic comfort, and production feasibility .

2. Design for Manufacturing (DFM) & Industrial Engineering

Apply DFM principles to outdoor furniture — ensuring compatibility with metal fabrication, powder coating, weaving, injection molding, and upholstery processes.

Standardize joinery systems, fittings, and components across multiple product lines to improve scalability and interchangeability.

Work closely with production and tooling teams to ensure all designs meet machine, fixture, and assembly-line constraints .

Validate structural integrity and weather resistance through simulation and testing before commercialization.

Partner with procurement and suppliers to identify suitable materials for outdoor use — aluminum, steel, synthetic wicker, rope, high-performance fabrics, etc.

3. 3-Pick Assembly Program Development

Drive the 3-pick assembly initiative for outdoor furniture — focusing on compact packaging, reduced components, and intuitive end-user assembly.

Engineer assembly mechanisms and connectors that minimize tools and setup time while ensuring long-term durability.

Collaborate with packaging and logistics teams to optimize carton design, space utilization, and shipping stability .

Develop visual assembly instructions and exploded-view guides for customers and internal production teams.

4. Prototype Development & Testing

Oversee prototype creation and pilot production runs , ensuring alignment with engineering and design intent.

Conduct outdoor product validation tests — corrosion, UV resistance, load bearing, finish adhesion, and cyclic durability.

Work with quality teams to establish and implement performance and compliance standards for all outdoor furniture categories.

Implement continuous improvement feedback loops between NPD, production, and after-sales data.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Coordinate with industrial design, manufacturing, quality, sourcing, and logistics teams for end-to-end execution of NPD projects.

Collaborate with supply chain and warehouse teams for packaging, labeling, and distribution standardization.

Partner with the marketplace, cataloging, and e-commerce teams to ensure all technical data, assembly details, and images are aligned for product listings.

Liaise with vendors and contract manufacturers for sample development, process validation, and capacity assessment.

6. Documentation, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

Maintain complete CAD drawings, BOMs, change control documents, and DFM review reports for each SKU.

Ensure all products comply with relevant international outdoor furniture standards (e.g., BIFMA, ASTM, EN).

Monitor performance data and post-launch feedback to continuously refine designs and materials.

Lead initiatives to enhance sustainability, recyclability, and cost efficiency in product design and packaging.

Key Deliverables

Conversion of all existing outdoor SKUs to DFM- and 3-pick assembly-compliant designs.

Reduction in assembly time and hardware count per product.

Improvement in production efficiency and reduction in cost per unit.

100% adherence to outdoor performance, corrosion, and durability standards.

Timely completion of NPD milestones from concept to commercialization.

Desired Skills & Competencies

Deep understanding of outdoor furniture design, DFM, and modular engineering principles .

Expertise in 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360, or equivalent).

Strong knowledge of metal fabrication, powder coating, weaving, upholstery, and material finishes .

Hands-on experience with knock-down / flat-pack product design and furniture assembly mechanisms.

Proficient in BOM creation, costing, and design documentation .

Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.

Strong coordination skills with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

Education : Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical / Industrial Engineering, Product Design, or Furniture Design.

Experience : 7–10 years of experience in Outdoor Furniture Product Engineering / NPD / Manufacturing , with proven exposure to DFM and modular design .

Prior experience with export or premium outdoor furniture brands preferred.