NPD Manager

Zest; Moulton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Zest in Northamptonshire is seeking an experienced NPD Manager to lead end-to-end product development from concept to launch.

You will work cross-functionally with technical, commercial and operations teams, and manage relationships with major retail customers to drive successful launches in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

If you thrive on innovation, strong project delivery, and speaking with retailers, this is an exciting opportunity to influence portfolio growth at pace.

Qualifications

• Established NPD experience within a FMCG/manufacturing environment.
• Strong project management capability with proven delivery of successful launches.
• Confident in customer-facing situations, ideally with retailer exposure.
• Commercially astute with an innovation-focused mindset.
• Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple NPD projects from concept to launch.
• Drive innovation aligned with customer and market trends.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with retail customers.
• Present concepts and product updates confidently to external stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross-functionally across technical, commercial, and operations teams.
• Ensure project timelines, budgets, and critical paths are effectively managed.

Skills

NPD management

Project management

Retailer exposure

Commercial awareness

Organisation

Job description

Are you an experienced NPD professional with a passion for innovation and a talent for bringing products to life? We're partnering with a well-established business in Northamptonshire that is looking to appoint a confident and commercially aware NPD Manager to join their growing team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a proven NPD leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working closely with major retailers to deliver successful product launches.

The Role

As NPD Manager, you will take ownership of the end-to-end product development process – from concept through to launch – ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standard. You'll work cross-functionally with internal teams and act as a key point of contact for retail customers, presenting ideas and managing expectations throughout the development cycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple NPD projects from concept to launch
• Drive innovation aligned with customer and market trends
• Build and maintain strong relationships with retail customers
• Present concepts and product updates confidently to external stakeholders
• Collaborate cross-functionally across technical, commercial, and operations teams
• Ensure project timelines, budgets, and critical paths are effectively managed

About You

• Established NPD experience within a relevant FMCG or manufacturing environment
• Strong project management capability with proven delivery of successful launches
• Confident in customer-facing situations, ideally with retailer exposure
• Commercially astute with an innovation-focused mindset
• Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities

What's on Offer

The opportunity to make a real impact within an innovation-led business. If you're looking for a role where you can combine creativity, customer engagement, and structured project delivery – we'd love to hear from you.