NPD Manager

Midianet; Maidstone; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food industry company in Maidstone is seeking an experienced project leader to manage multiple New Product Development (NPD) projects. This role requires over 4 years of experience in the food industry, strong capabilities in packaging management, and effective cross-functional team leadership. Responsibilities include scoping projects, overseeing timelines, and ensuring compliance with quality standards. The position offers a hybrid work model, with 3 days onsite per week.

Qualifications

• 4+ years experience in the food industry.
• Experience in New Product Development (NPD) processes.
• Proven track record in project leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple NPD projects from scoping to implementation.
• Oversee project portfolio and provide status updates.
• Manage packaging workstreams and coordinate approvals.

Skills

Project Leadership

Risk Management

Cross-Functional Leadership

Packaging Management

Education

University degree in a food-related field

Job description

Hybrid (3 Days onsite per week)

Kent

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership & Execution Lead and manage multiple New Product Development (NPD) projects concurrently, from initial scoping and kick-off through to implementation. Projects may be executed within our own manufacturing
• Portfolio Oversight Oversee the portfolio, ensuring weekly status updates are provided for all live projects to maintain visibility and alignment.
• Packaging Technical Workstream Management Manage the packaging workstream for all projects.
  
  

Responsibilities Include

• Sourcing off-the-shelf packaging formats aligned with customer briefs.
• Coordinating packaging approval with Supplier Quality Assurance.
• Conducting production trials to validate packaging compatibility.
• Performing fill and scoop tests and developing a streamlined, less manual testing method.
• Project Scoping & Review Ensure all assigned projects are thoroughly scoped and reviewed against agreed commercial and strategic criteria to support.
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership Facilitate project kick-off and core team meetings on a weekly or fortnightly basis, depending on project complexity and pace.
• Risk Management Conduct risk sessions with core teams to develop and maintain a comprehensive risk log and mitigation plan, updated bi-weekly throughout the project lifecycle.
• Timeline Development & Alignment Create detailed project timelines with input from cross-functional teams. Host alignment sessions to confirm timelines and critical paths, ensuring team commitment to delivery.
• Documentation & Communication Ensure accurate documentation of meeting outputs, actions, and decisions. Timely dissemination of information is critical to maintaining project momentum.
• Accountability & Reporting Hold project teams accountable for delivery. Provide weekly progress updates, highlighting risks and agreed mitigation strategies.
  
  

Requirements

• Experience within NPD/ Process
• Over 4 years experience within the food industry
• Proven track record leading/being a key member throughout projects
• University educated in food related degree
  
  

LNKD1_UKTJ