New Product Development Manager

About the Company

Zippy is building Indias first screen-free AI storytelling companion for kids blending hardware, content, and AI into a magical physical play experience. We design and manufacture smart audio devices, NFC cards, figurines, and books and we are now entering a critical scale phase focused on cost opimization, vendor development, and manufacturing excellence.

About the Role

Were looking for someone who can take ownership of our hardware program execution and supply chain operations. This is a cross-functional role spanning electronics, mechanical parts, vendor management, and cost engineering.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end coordination with contract manufacturers (toys + electronics)
• Track production timelines, tooling, DFM improvements, and pilot runs
• Ensure alignment between engineering and manufacturer
• Drive NPI to MP (New Product Introduction to Mass Production)
• Maintain and control multi-level BOM (electronics + mechanical)
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities across:
• PCB components
• Plastic parts
• Rubber parts
• Packaging

Work on alternate sourcing strategies

• Drive structured cost-down roadmap
• Work closely with electronics & firmware teams on:
• PCB redesign for cost efficiency
• Component substitutions
• Layout improvements

Coordinate with manufacturer on:

• New PCB BOM validation
• Vendor quotes
• Sampling & pilot testing

Target measurable % reduction in PCB cost

• Develop and onboard vendors for:
• Injection molded plastic parts
• Rubber/silicone parts
• Small mechanical assemblies
• Evaluate tooling capability
• Negotiate pricing and lead times
• Ensure quality benchmarks

Qualifications

• 48 years experience in hardware program management / supply chain
• Experience in consumer electronics, IoT, or toy manufacturing
• Strong understanding of:
• PCB BOM
• Component sourcing
• Injection molding & plastics
• Rubber/silicone manufacturing
• Experience working with contract manufacturers (India or China)
• Comfortable in early-stage startup ambiguity
• Strong Excel / cost modeling capability
• Engineering background preferred (Mechanical / Electronics)
• Bonus:
• Experience in cost-down projects
• Experience with DFM & tooling discussions

Why Join Zippy? Early core team role, direct founder access, real ownership, hardware + AI product category creation, opportunity to build Indias next iconic kids brand.