Final answer:
The role of a Functional Area Manager in New Product Development involves cross-functional team collaboration, strong communication, and technical proficiency in product planning, cost estimation, and Lean Six Sigma processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the roles and responsibilities of a Functional Area Manager in the realm of New Product Development (NPD), particularly focusing on Continuous Education (CE) planning guidance. In the context of NPD, this involves collaboration with various departments such as marketing, sales, manufacturing, and development teams, as well as with strategic manufacturing sites and customers. The manager must demonstrate proficiency in product and application training, cost estimation, time management, and tooling and process recommendations for product lines.
Moreover, the role demands a professional demeanor, flexibility in task scheduling, and robust communication skills to effectively document activities and convey technical content. A qualification in engineering and experience in manufacturing processes, alongside an understanding of integrating technical designs into production, is required. Additional qualities such as LEAN Six Sigma implementation experience are also beneficial.