NPD Manager

Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd.; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an NPD Manager to lead multiple New Product Development projects in Kent. You will oversee project timelines, manage risk, and facilitate cross-functional team leadership. The ideal candidate has over 4 years of experience in the food industry and holds a food-related degree. This role offers a hybrid working model with three days onsite per week.

Qualifications

• Over 4 years experience within the food industry.
• Proven track record leading projects.
• Experience within NPD/Process.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple New Product Development (NPD) projects.
• Oversee project portfolio and provide weekly status updates.
• Manage packaging workstream for all projects.

Skills

Project Leadership

Risk Management

Cross-Functional Team Leadership

Education

University degree in food related field

Job description

NPD Manager

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