New Product Development Manager.

WatchHouse; London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food and beverage sector is seeking a New Product Development Manager to oversee their product lifecycle, from ideation to launch. This pivotal role combines project management and creativity to ensure successful product delivery that resonates with customers. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills, as well as a guest-centric approach to guide product development.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage complex projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• A deep understanding of customer needs to ensure product market fit.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end process of new product development.
• Conduct market research to inform product strategy.
• Track and analyze post-launch metrics to ensure success.

Skills

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Communication

Creative Problem-Solving

Detail-Oriented

Negotiation Skills

Technical Proficiency

Job description

NPD Manager at WatchHouse.

In short: The New Product Development Manager is responsible for managing the execution and delivery of our new product development strategy to ensure that we remain best in class across food, coffee and retail.

This role will manage the entire product lifecycle process, from ideation to launch to deliver products that resonate with guests, align with our brand vision, and contribute to our overall success. With a keen eye on premium products and trends, this role combines project management, creativity and excellent communication skills to transform ideas into impactful products.

Directly reports to Commercial Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the NPD Delivery & Execution for WatchHouse: project manage the end-to-end process of new product development, ensuring seamless execution from concept to Houses.
• Own the Product Launch Calendar: Define and communicate GTM timelines, deadlines and launch dates.
• Conduct Market Research: Stay abreast of market trends, customer insights, and competitive analysis to inform product strategy and innovation.
• Coordinate Cross-Functional Teams: Align key stakeholders (marketing, operations, food and coffee) across product initiatives to deliver best-in-class product launches.
• Supplier Sourcing & Management: Identify and manage relationships with suppliers to secure high-quality materials and components at optimal cost.
• KPI & Reporting: Track and analyse post-launch metrics and feedback to the business alongside best practice launch procedures.
• Owning all launches of new products into Houses, including launch pack information, product specfications and training days.
  
  

Key to this role:

• Project Management Expertise: Proven ability to manage complex projects, meet deadlines, and deliver results.
• Strong Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret market data and translate it into actionable product strategies.
• Excellent Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Innovative thinking with the ability to develop unique solutions to challenges in product development and execution.
• Detail-Oriented: Excellent attention to detail in managing product specifications, quality standards, and launch timelines.
• Negotiation Skills: Proficient in negotiating with suppliers and managing vendor relationships to achieve the best outcomes for the company.
• Guest-Centric Approach: Deep understanding of customer needs and preferences to ensure products meet market demand.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with product management tools and methodologies, such as Agile or Scrum, to streamline the development process.
  
  

Working at WatchHouse.

WatchHouse was born from a passion to do better—with diligence, detail, and a relentless pursuit of excellence at our core. We’re a people-first business that celebrates individuality and places respect, inclusion, and equality at the heart of everything we do. We believe in hiring the right person for the role, valuing personality and potential as much as skills and experience. As a team, we lead with empathy, communicate openly, collaborate effectively, and support one another to succeed. We hold ourselves to high standards, sharing in each other’s successes while staying mindful, kind, and committed to progress. Our four core values—passion, can do, diligence, and empathy—guide every decision we make and shape the culture we’re proud to build together.