NPD Project Manager

JR United Kingdom; Bournemouth; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food sector is seeking an NPD Project Manager to manage product development projects for UK retail customers. This hybrid role will lead projects from conception to launch while ensuring compliance with all required standards. The ideal candidate will possess significant experience within the retail sector, strong project management skills, and a customer-centric approach.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in private label development or quality role in UK retail.
• Confident communicator with strong influencing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary contact for UK retail customers on private label development.
• Lead projects from initial brief through to launch.
• Ensure compliance with customer guidelines for new products.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Customer Centricity

Education

Degree in Food Science or Food Technology

Tools

Excel

Job description

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We’re seeking an experienced NPD Project Manager for a Maternity cover contract to lead the delivery of product development projects for UK retail customers. This role acts as the key interface between internal teams, account managers, and customer stakeholders—ensuring all development, packaging, and quality standards are met from concept to launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary contact for UK retail customers on all matters relating to private label development, packaging updates, and product communication
• Lead projects from initial brief through to launch, including NPD and packaging renovation
• Ensure compliance with all customer guidelines, technical policies, and specifications for both new and existing products
• Manage pack copy, artwork approval, and packaging changes in line with agreed specifications
• Organise and lead customer meetings and technical visits to manufacturing sites
• Monitor product performance through benchmarking, consistency panels, and customer product KPIs
• Maintain and control the tracker, ensuring projects are delivered within budget
• Strong leadership, project management, and organisational skills
• Customer-centric mindset with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders
• Analytical and curious, with strong product and process knowledge
• Confident communicator with strong influencing and presentation skills
• High proficiency in Excel
• Degree-level education, ideally in Food Science, Food Technology or relevant working experience
• 3–5 years’ experience in a private label development or quality role within UK retail

This is a hybrid role where you'll be expected to be in the office 3 days a week.

The salary banding for this role is £35,000 - £45,000 + 10% bonus and excellent benefits.