NPD Project Manager

Whitworths Limited; Wellingborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in the UK is seeking a Project Manager to oversee the NPD and EPD project management process. You will coordinate with various teams to ensure successful product launches in line with business strategies. The ideal candidate will bring significant FMCG or food manufacturing experience, along with strong project management skills. This role offers a competitive salary and benefits including 33 days holiday.

Benefits

Competitive salary

33 days holiday

Workplace pension

Family friendly health benefits

Qualifications

• 3+ years of project management experience in FMCG or food manufacturing.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and critical paths simultaneously.
• Proven success in delivering NPD and/or customer-specific launch projects.

Responsibilities

• Own the NPD and EPD project management process, ensuring milestones are hit.
• Work closely with Brand and Commercial teams to deliver launches.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to bring ideas to life.

Skills

Project management

FMCG or food manufacturing experience

Stakeholder management

Commercial awareness

Critical path discipline

Job description

About The Role

What are the main responsibilities of the job role?

• Own the NPD and EPD project management process, ensuring milestones are hit across all key stages.
• Work closely with the Brand and Commercial teams to shape briefs and deliver launches aligned with business strategy.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to bring ideas to life — managing timelines, gate documents, and project P&Ls.
• Partner with customers to align on artwork, packaging, and launch plans.
• Champion the consumer at every stage of development.
• Manage end to end Critical Path from concept to launch.

What are the key ingredients needed for the role?

• Strong project management experience in FMCG or food manufacturing (3+ years).
• Ability to manage multiple projects and critical paths simultaneously.
• Proven success delivering NPD and/or customer-specific launch projects.
• Familiarity with retailer systems (e.g. M&S FIND, retailer artwork approval) desirable.
• Excellent stakeholder management, commercial awareness, and critical path discipline.
• Energy, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset that fits our values:
  Solutions. Teamwork. Accountability. Respect.
• A complete 'foodie' keeping on top of food and consumer trends.

About Us

We’re on an exciting mission here at Whitworths – to help boost the nutrient intake of the nation, improving general health of families using the goodness found in our delicious products. We’re the only brand that gives a credibly nutritious boost to breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, baking and beyond.

There are obviously many other reasons to come and work with us, but the biggest reason is so that you have a job you love and a company you are proud to say you work for. You will receive a competitive salary, 33 days holiday, a workplace pension, and in addition, you’ll also have access to a number of family friendly, health and lifestyle benefits. Culturally, we believe strongly in investing in our people, developing them in role and developing their careers within Whitworths. Don't just take our word for it, our people say the same, as demonstrated by our recent accreditation from Investors In People.