(Senior) NPI Manager (all genders)

About tonies: tonies is the globally leading interactive audio platform for children with more than 10 million Tonieboxes and 125 million Tonies sold. The intuitive and award‑winning audio system has changed the way young children play and learn independently with its child‑safe, wireless, and screen‑free approach. Tonieboxes have been activated in over 100 countries; the content portfolio includes around 1,400 Tonies in several languages. Since its inception, tonies has achieved significant milestones, including listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in November 2021, and operates with a globally present team of over 550 dedicated professionals.

Joining our tonies team means being part of an inspiring mission to create innovative and meaningful experiences for children around the world. We’re shaping the future of play, learning, and imagination.

NPI Manager (all genders) A key role driving the operational execution of new product launches and changes. Reporting directly to the Head of NPI Operations, you manage NPI programs end‑to‑end – from industrialization readiness through ramp‑up into stable serial production.

Your mission is to ensure new products and changes are launched on time, at target quality and within planned costs by orchestrating cross‑functional execution across tonies’ global value chain. You act as the operational backbone of the launch process, ensuring structure, transparency and reliable delivery.

This role sits within the Global Product Industrialization organization and works closely with Product Development, Product Industrialization, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Product & Portfolio Management.

NPI Launch Management

• Own the operational execution of NPI projects in alignment with tonies’ Product Development & Product Variations Process (PDP).
• Plan, coordinate and track all operational NPI milestones from the prototype phase through ramp‑up and handover to serial production.
• Ensure full launch readiness across product, process, supply chain and production.
• Actively drive, track and ensure the closure of all open topics, gaps and action items throughout the launch lifecycle.

Launch Control Tower & Performance Transparency

• Operate and maintain Launch Control Tower structures as the single source of truth for NPI status, risks and dependencies.
• Identify, assess and actively manage risks, issues and mitigation actions.
• Prepare, facilitate and follow up on Launch Readiness Reviews, Ramp‑up Reviews and escalation forums.
• Ensure full transparency and accountability for all open points, including clear ownership, timelines and escalation where needed.

Cross‑Functional Orchestration

• Act as the operational interface between Product Development, Product Industrialization, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain and Production.
• Support a seamless transition from development to serial production in close coordination with manufacturing sites and suppliers.
• Align closely with Product & Portfolio teams on launch priorities and timelines.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Identify improvement opportunities within NPI processes, tools and cross‑functional interfaces.
• Contribute to lessons‑learned activities and feedback loops between development and industrialization.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration or a comparable field.
• 4–7 years of professional experience in NPI, program/project management, industrialization or operations.
• Hands‑on experience managing cross‑functional projects in a manufacturing or product‑driven environment (e.g. consumer electronics, toys, automotive).
• Experience in ramp‑up management, supplier coordination and production readiness.
• Familiarity with PLM, ERP and/or MES systems is a plus.
• Fluent in English; German is a strong advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong ownership mindset with a structured, execution‑oriented working style.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills across functions and cultures.
• Analytical thinking with confidence in managing KPIs, risks and dependencies.
• Resilience and adaptability in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Team‑oriented, hands‑on, and driven by operational excellence.

Why tonies?

• Global teamwork: We collaborate across departments and countries on our vision to bring the Toniebox into every child’s room worldwide.
• Come as you are: Dress code and everything else inclusive—feel comfortable to give your best.
• Mobility: Choose the option that suits you best—public transport ticket for unlimited mobility, monthly office parking contribution, a leasing bicycle or a remote work subsidy.
• Enhanced security: Subsidies for company pension plans, occupational pension schemes and occupational disability insurance.
• Rest & time off: 30 days paid annual leave plus three additional days off such as Rosenmontag, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. After one year of employment, you may also use up to 10 “toniecation days” (unpaid leave).
• Continuous learning: Internal and external training opportunities and an individual learning budget.
• Language learning & relaxation: Language learning app Babbel and access to meditation app Calm.
• Discounts: Attractive discounts on our entire range of tonies products.

Good to know

As part of our principles, we are committed to supporting inclusion and diversity at tonies. We actively celebrate our colleagues’ different abilities, ethnicities, faith and gender. Everyone is welcome and supported in their development at all stages of their journey with us.