NPD Projects Manager

D R Newitt & Associates; Reigate; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary up to £55k

Annual bonus

Hybrid working

Global leader partner

Job summary

D R Newitt & Associates are supporting an innovative food manufacturer in Surrey for an NPD Projects Manager role. You will own the governance framework for product development projects and ensure smooth concept to commercial launches, collaborating with internal teams and external co-manufacturers.

You will report to the COO and drive project controls, risk management, and continuous improvement across the business.

Qualifications

• FMCG/food sector project management experience is essential.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with PM methodologies.
• Experience working with co-packers/co-manufacturers and customer-led development is desirable.
• Strong stakeholder management, planning and risk mitigation skills.

Responsibilities

• Own and evolve the NPD project governance framework for robust processes.
• Lead, coordinate and drive actions across internal teams and external partners.
• Chair project review meetings and deliver KPI dashboards to senior stakeholders.
• Promote project management best practices and conduct post‑launch reviews.
• Support the COO on broader operational improvement initiatives.

Skills

FMCG Experience

Project Management

Cross-functional Leadership

Co-manufacturers

Stakeholder Management

Job description

NPD Projects Manager

Hybrid / Surrey

Up to £55,000 per annum + Bonus

About the Business

We are recruiting on behalf of an innovative, B-Corp accredited leader in the food manufacturing sector. Known for supplying high-quality, handheld hot snacks to global travel and retail partners, they combine culinary creativity with world‑class operational standards. As part of a major international catering group, they offer a fast‑paced, collaborative, and agile environment where innovation meets commercial delivery.

The Role

As the NPD Projects Manager, you will sit at the centre of the business and own the Product Development project governance framework. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will ensure all new product launches, customer developments, and business improvement initiatives move seamlessly from initial concept approval to commercial launch.

You will work closely with cross‑functional internal teams and external co‑manufacturing partners, balancing structured project control with commercial pragmatism.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and evolve the NPD project governance framework, keeping processes robust, practical, and free of unnecessary bureaucracy.
• Lead, coordinate, and hold teams accountable for project actions across internal departments and third‑party manufacturing partners.
• Chair project review meetings, manage risk escalation, and produce clear KPI dashboards and status reporting for senior stakeholders.
• Champion project management best practices across the business, conduct post‑launch reviews, and drive lessons learned.
• Support the COO on wider operational and organisational improvement initiatives outside the core product function.

Your Skills & Experience

• FMCG / Food Sector Experience: Demonstrable project management experience within food manufacturing and FMCG.
• Strong track record of managing multiple concurrent projects through structured project management methodologies.
• Prior experience working alongside outsourced manufacturing partners (co-packers/co-manufacturers) and customer‑led development programs is highly desirable.
• Ability to drive cross‑functional progress without direct line‑management authority, keeping teams aligned under changing priorities.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, planning, and risk‑mitigation skills.

What's on Offer

• Base salary up to £55,000 (depending on experience)
• Annual company bonus scheme
• Flexible Hybrid working model
• Opportunity to work with a B-Corp accredited, globally backed market leader