Program Manager for New Product Development & Introduction
Client: The client is a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical measurement and inspection systems, catering to industries where precision, speed, and versatility are critical. Their product portfolio includes custom optical components and solutions for the medical sector and national laboratories. Since its inception, the company has been awarded over 750 patents, underscoring its commitment to innovation.
Role: HMC's consultant served as Program Manager for the new product development and production launch for the client’s next-generation product portfolio. His responsibilities included managing a cross-functional team to deliver on essential milestones through the Design & Development, Manufacturing Readiness, and Production Launch phase-gates for four new product platforms and their accessories.
Situation: Initially targeting a production release in 2022, the client faced unexpected delays due to complications in technology development, COVID-19-related setbacks, and turnover within the team. HMC’s consultant was brought on board in January 2024 to guide the program through three critical phase-gates and facilitate the successful production launch of the four products.
Approach: The complexity of the new product development program required a tailored management approach, especially since many team members were unfamiliar with the interdependencies of their deliverables, and cross-functional collaboration was piecemeal and inconsistent. To foster collaboration and streamline complexity, the consultant employed a blend of management styles:
Agile Management: Embracing the client’s agile vision, the consultant promoted flexibility and iterative progress to adapt to evolving requirements, particularly in the early stages of development.
Collaborative Leadership: As a contractor, the consultant prioritized creating a collaborative environment. By encouraging input from engineering, marketing, supply chain, quality assurance, and manufacturing, he ensured diverse perspectives were integrated into decision-making, fostering trust and empowerment within the team.
Transparent Communication: The consultant maintained open lines of communication, keeping task owners and stakeholders informed. This transparency was crucial for managing expectations and aligning efforts, especially amid ongoing technical and supply chain challenges.
Risk Management: He proactively identified and assessed emerging risks, leading the team in developing effective contingency plans and mitigation strategies. This approach was crucial for navigating the uncertainties inherent in new product development.
Results: Utilizing a structured program management approach, the consultant conducted interviews with stakeholders and key contributors to evaluate team dynamics, collaboration, and overall program status. This assessment revealed that several technology components had not yet reached the necessary readiness levels for effective development.
Despite these challenges, the consultant led the team to accomplish critical program deliverables, including an approved project charter, a comprehensive work breakdown structure, a detailed program schedule, and a risk management framework. Additionally, the team established a regular meeting cadence to ensure consistent progress tracking.
Accelerate New Product Development with Expert Program Management
At Hoagland Management & Consulting LLC (HMC), we specialize in guiding complex product development programs to success. Our expertise in program management ensures your teams are aligned, risks are mitigated, and milestones are achieved—just as we demonstrated for this global leader in optical measurement systems.
If your organization is facing challenges in launching innovative products, HMC can provide the leadership and structure needed to deliver results.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you turn your vision into reality.