NPD Packaging Manager

Protea Recruitment Ltd; London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an NPD Packaging Manager to oversee the development and launch of innovative packaging solutions within the drinks industry. This hybrid role requires strong project management skills, a solid understanding of supply chain operations, and the ability to collaborate across teams. The successful candidate will ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet stakeholder expectations, while also reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years' experience in project management.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
• Attention to detail in planning, execution, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manage the timely delivery of all new product packaging from inception to market launch.
• Develop project plans for packaging NPD, including timelines and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Skills

Supply Chain

Operations

Logistics

Project Management

Creative Problem-Solving

Negotiation

Risk Identification

Education

Degree-qualified

Tools

Tropos

Airtable

Jira

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

NPD Packaging Manager

Permanent, Full-time (Hybrid: 1 day WFH)

Role Overview:

Manage the timely and cost-effective delivery of all new product packaging, from inception to market launch. Ensure high-quality standards and stakeholder buy-in across all projects. Proactively identify and manage packaging NPD impacts and interdependencies within the drinks industry (whisky, rum, cognac). Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers for packaging design, development, and sourcing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop comprehensive project plans for packaging NPD, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation. Create detailed project briefs covering design, packaging scope, pricing, and cost of goods.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with creative, marketing, production, and sales teams for seamless packaging execution.
• Maintain clear communication with all internal and external stakeholders throughout the packaging NPD lifecycle.
• Source dry goods, including labels, bottles, cartons,
• Ensure all packaging reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
• Manage project budgets for packaging, ensuring cost-effective resource utilization.
• Oversee packaging testing and quality assurance processes, including visits to sites.
• Ensure all new packaging complies with relevant industry and market-specific regulations. Conduct post-launch evaluations of packaging performance.

Skills & Experience:

• Solid understanding of Supply Chain, Operations, logistics, and international movement of goods.
• Proven track record in packaging innovation within the drinks industry.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Creative and proactive problem-solver with strong analytical reasoning.
• Good understanding of agile project management frameworks.
• Excellent negotiation skills for resources, time, and pricing.
• Experience in risk identification and management.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Degree-qualified with a minimum of three years' experience in project management.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Tropos, Airtable, Jira/Confluence) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
• Exceptional attention to detail in planning, execution, and reporting. Flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities.

Desirable: Proven NPD experience in the FMCG sector, up-to-date knowledge of packaging innovations, PMP/PRINCE II certification. Key Behaviours:

Strong written and verbal communication skills. Excellent time management and keen attention to detail. Confident in building and maintaining relationships. Proactive in identifying challenges and finding solutions. Highly motivated, dependable, and results-oriented.