New Product Introduction Program Manager

Role Overview

This position is for an experienced New Product Introduction (NPI) Program Manager who will coordinate several major hardware launches, including MR/VR headsets, wearables, and smart glasses. The role is responsible for driving launch readiness, keeping cross-functional execution aligned, and ensuring key milestones move forward while risks are surfaced early.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary owner of the NPI Milestone Master and keep it updated as the authoritative reference for launch readiness.
• Monitor program milestones, dependencies, ownership, and status across all workstreams.
• Build alignment and accountability across Category, Channel Sales, Marketing, Operations, and other partner teams.
• Spot timeline risks early and raise critical issues with clear recommended next steps.
• Resolve conflicts between timelines and help stakeholders agree on launch plans.
• Prepare concise, executive-ready updates and materials that support decision-making.
• Run weekly NPI review meetings and ensure action items are completed.
• Create launch playbooks and capture lessons learned to improve future programs.

Required Experience and Skills

The ideal candidate should bring 4 to 5+ years of experience in program management or project management, along with a strong track record handling complex initiatives with many interdependencies. Success in this role requires the ability to influence senior stakeholders, work independently in uncertain situations, and identify risks before they affect delivery. Clear written and verbal communication is essential, as is proficiency with Google Sheets, Docs, Slides, and other project tracking tools. Candidates should also have experience working under tight timelines on high-visibility work.

Preferred Background

Experience in retail, hardware, consumer electronics, or NPI programs is preferred. Familiarity with tools such as Smartsheet, Jira, or Asana is a plus, as is exposure to consumer electronics launch cycles. Prior work supporting third-party retail, telecom, or direct-to-consumer sales channels will be considered an advantage.

Additional Information

This is a 6-month contract opportunity with a possible extension. The role is based in New York, NY, with onsite work preferred; remote work is also possible if the candidate operates in the Eastern Time Zone.

Work Style

The role calls for strong operational discipline, careful attention to detail, and the ability to analyze information quickly and turn it into practical recommendations.