Head of Product Development

Pod Talent; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Pod Talent in London is seeking an experienced NPD project manager to lead end-to-end product development for a fast-growing consumer brand. You’ll own the innovation pipeline from concept to launch, driving governance, cross-functional alignment, and supplier partnerships.

This hybrid role (3 days on site) involves working across geographies to build on existing products and deliver true new-to-market options.

Qualifications

• NPD/project management experience in FMCG, especially food.
• Experience with Stage-Gate processes and cross-functional launches.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple complex projects.
• Strong communication, documentation, and commercial awareness.
• Collaborative, proactive mindset with a passion for product innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPD projects from ideation to launch, owning timelines and critical paths.
• Drive and improve the Stage-Gate process with governance and decision-making.
• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Regulatory, Operations and Supply Chain to bring concepts to life.
• Manage supplier briefs and partnerships across formulation, packaging, testing, and manufacturing.
• Support global compliance documentation and ensure products meet regulatory requirements.
• Use market and consumer insights to shape the innovation roadmap.

Skills

NPD experience

Stage-Gate process

Organizational skills

Communication

Documentation

Commercial awareness

Collaboration

Product innovation

Job description

Location: London- Hybrid (3 days on site)

Exciting opportunity to lead end-to-end product development for a fast-growing consumer brand. You’ll own the innovation pipeline from concept to launch, driving governance, cross-functional alignment, and supplier partnerships to deliver high-quality, commercially strong new products. Working across multiple geographies there is a strong focus on building on existing products and delivering true new to market options.

What You’ll Do

• Lead NPD projects from ideation to launch, owning timelines, critical paths, and delivery.
• Drive and improve the Stage-Gate process, ensuring strong governance and clear decision-making.
• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Regulatory, Operations and Supply Chain to bring concepts to life.
• Manage supplier briefs and partnerships across formulation, packaging, testing, and manufacturing.
• Support global compliance documentation and ensure products meet regulatory requirements.
• Use market and consumer insights to shape the innovation roadmap.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven NPD / project management experience in FMCG- particularly food
• Strong experience running Stage-Gate processes and leading cross-functional launches.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple complex projects.
• Confident communication, detail-driven documentation, and strong commercial awareness.
• Collaborative, proactive mindset with a passion for product innovation

This role is a great opportunity for an experienced NPD project manager who is looking for their next step in a fast paced sector, able to combine innovation with clear process and build on the current portfolio of products.

For this role we do need people with existing right to work in the UK, sponsorship is not offered.