NPD Projects Manager

Drnewitt; South Nutfield; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Hybrid working model

Job summary

We are seeking an NPD Projects Manager to drive the product development governance framework in a fast-paced FMCG environment. Based in Surrey with hybrid working, you will shepherd new product launches from concept to commercial launch, coordinating cross-functional teams and external partners.

Reporting to the COO, you will balance structured project control with commercial pragmatism, deliver KPI dashboards, manage risk, and drive lessons learned across the business.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable project management experience within food manufacturing and FMCG.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects using structured PM methods.
• Experience with co-packers/co-manufacturers and customer-led development is desirable.
• Ability to drive cross-functional progress without direct line management.
• Strong stakeholder management, planning, and risk mitigation.

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.

Skills

FMCG / Food sector experience

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Job description

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