New Product Development (NPD) Manager

About Panda’s Box Founded in 2022 by parents Sukriti and Rajat Mendiratta, Panda’s Box is a pioneering Indian cultural learning brand built by parents, for parents. The company fills a crucial gap in early childhood development by creating India’s first mantra-chanting plush toys alongside a curated range of screen-free cultural products. Designed specifically for children aged 0–6, Panda’s Box seamlessly blends ancient Indian heritage with modern, high-quality play to foster early identity, mindfulness, and cultural connection. Role Overview As our NPD Manager, you will take full ownership of the product lifecycle—from raw conceptualization and industrial design to material sourcing and final production. This is an entrepreneurial role that requires a rare blend of design sensibility, manufacturing practicality, and obsessive attention to detail. You won't just manage a process; you will actively build physical products that spark joy and curiosity in young minds.

• Position: New Product Development (NPD) Manager
• Location: Noida
• Experience: 2–5 years in physical product development
• Core Requirement: Strong design background with an impressive portfolio Key Responsibilities 1. Concept Ideation & Design Translation
• Translate early learning and storytelling concepts into beautiful, physically durable, and child-safe prototypes.
• Leverage your design background to create or collaborate closely on sketching, 3D modeling, and technical specification sheets.
• Balance artistic creativity with functional design, ensuring that product components (audio boxes, textures, mechanics) work seamlessly together. 2. End-to-End Project Execution
• Act as a self-starter to map out product timelines, manage material dependencies, and navigate the product journey from a sketch to a shelf-ready unit.
• Maintain rigorous attention to detail regarding dimensions, color precision, tactile finishes, and safety benchmarks (such as BIS certifications).
• Conduct rigorous hands-on prototyping and stress testing to ensure products withstand the chaotic environment of early childhood play. 3. Vendor Management & Strategic Sourcing
• Research, identify, and onboard manufacturing partners specializing in premium textiles, specialized plastics, safe electronic sound boxes, and high-quality paper engineering.
• Negotiate costing and production minimums without compromising on the premium quality and sensory experience our brand promises. Who We Are Looking For (Requirements)
• Relevant Domain Background: Prior experience specifically within the Toys, Board Games, Novelty Play, or Kids' Publishing / Paper Engineering sectors is highly preferred.
• The Self-Starter Spirit: A proven track record of operating effectively in autonomous, fast-paced environments where ownership and proactive problem-solving are essential.
• Obsessive Eye for Aesthetic Details: A deep intuition for color harmony, typography alignment, material textures, and spatial proportions. What We Offer
• The opportunity to shape the future of screen-free early learning for a generation of young minds.
• A high-ownership workspace with direct strategic collaboration with the leadership team.
• A vibrant, creative, and highly entrepreneurial startup culture.