Our Meet the Team blog series continues as we welcome one of our newest additions to the Kingsway Group team!
With a passion for innovation, James Newman’s arrival at Kingsway Group as New Product Development Manager will ensure we continue to advance design for behavioral health environments. Having settled into his role, we invited James for a chat to find out more about him and his ambitions for Kingsway Group.
Hello James, welcome to the blog! How have you found things since joining Kingsway Group?
Since joining Kingsway Group, I’ve had a very positive experience. The atmosphere within the company is dynamic and engaging, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. The team’s dedication to pushing boundaries in design and development is inspiring, and I feel privileged to be a part of such a forward-thinking organization. I’ve been able to contribute my expertise while also learning from my colleagues, which has made the transition into my role as New Product Development Manager smooth and exciting. Overall, my time at Kingsway Group thus far has been filled with valuable experiences and opportunities for growth.
You recently joined us as our New Product Development Manager and we’re pleased to have you with us. Before we get into the role, could you tell us a bit about your background and experience to date?
Certainly! I’m delighted to be here as the New Product Development Manager, and I’m equally excited to be part of the team. My professional journey has revolved around product development and management, underscored by a strong focus on innovation and precision. With a background spanning various roles, I’ve gained valuable insights into the complexities of design, manufacturing, and supply chains. In addition, I’ve engaged with specialized sectors that have enhanced my skills in areas like design, regulatory compliance, and collaborative problem-solving. This diverse experience positions me well to contribute to Kingsway Group’s legacy of pioneering designs, tailored to address the distinctive challenges of our field.
Can you tell us about what your role as New Product Development Manager entails?
As the New Product Development Manager at Kingsway Group, my role entails leading the New Product Development team. I’m responsible for overseeing the end-to-end design and development of new products, ensuring they meet relevant standards and align with our brand’s history of innovation. This involves managing the entire design process, from concept illustrations to the creation of 3D CAD models. I also coordinate prototyping, sample builds, and the preparation of technical documents for manufacturing. Additionally, I provide essential support to the Quality Control, Sales, and Manufacturing departments during new product launches.
Kingsway has a history dotted with innovations in design for behavioral health and challenging environments and we look forward to seeing your contributions to that history. What do you see as the main challenges you’ll face as New Product Development Manager?
Kingsway’s legacy of innovative design for behavioral health and challenging environments is truly inspiring, and I’m eager to contribute to that rich history. As the New Product Development Manager, I recognize that there will be several key challenges ahead. First and foremost, maintaining the delicate balance between innovation and practicality is crucial. While pushing the boundaries of design is essential, ensuring that our products effectively address real-world needs is equally important.
Additionally, aligning our designs with stringent standards and regulations specific to psychiatric health and challenging environments presents another significant challenge. These environments demand solutions that prioritize safety, usability, and effectiveness. Balancing these requirements while still fostering creative and innovative design approaches will be paramount.
Lastly, effective collaboration across interdisciplinary teams will be essential. Navigating the complexities of design, engineering, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance requires cohesive teamwork. As New Product Development Manager, fostering clear communication and cooperation among these teams will be vital to successfully navigating these challenges and delivering groundbreaking products.
What are you most excited about for the role and what are your ambitions?
I’m thrilled about the possibilities that come with being the New Product Development Manager at Kingsway Group. The chance to contribute to innovative solutions that directly improve lives in challenging environments is incredibly motivating for me.
My main ambition is to continue Kingsway’s legacy of pioneering designs for behavioral health and challenging settings. Simultaneously, I’m committed to fostering a collaborative team environment where creativity thrives, aiming to inspire my team to achieve new heights in product development. Together, we can create lasting impact and shape the future of design in this field.
As you know, our three core values at Kingsway Group are Perfect Products, Happy Customers, and a Winning Team. Evidently, Perfect Products closely ties in with your role, how do you see your role relating to Happy Customers and a Winning Team?
While Perfect Products are at the heart of my role, Happy Customers and a Winning Team are equally important. Creating products that improve the lives of our customers will inherently lead to happy and satisfied customers. As for a Winning Team, I believe in fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, where each member’s strengths are utilized to drive success. When the team is engaged and motivated, we can achieve our goals more effectively.
Which members of the Kingsway Team do you work most closely with on a day-to-day basis?
On a day-to-day basis, I work closely with the NPD team, collaborating with engineers, designers, and other stakeholders to bring new products to life. Additionally, I have regular interactions with colleagues from Quality Control, Sales, and Manufacturing to ensure seamless product development and introduction processes.
Outside of work, what are your main interests and pastimes?
Outside of work, I have a diverse range of interests. I’m a motorsports enthusiast and enjoy activities like sailing, mountain biking, skiing, and badminton. These pursuits help me recharge and bring a fresh perspective to my role. Thank you for welcoming me to the team, and I’m eager to contribute to Kingsway Group’s continued success and innovation!
As your partner in patient safety, we’re proud to be helping reduce risk in behavioral health facilities throughout the USA. James Newman’s dedicated efforts, as with all our team, contribute to making this possible. To find out more about how Kingsway Group can help improve safety within your project or facility, reach out to us today.