NPD Technologist

Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd.; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food and drink business is seeking an NPD & Packaging Co-ordinator in South West London. The ideal candidate will manage packaging operations, ensure compliance, and support new product development. Strong organizational skills and a background in FMCG are essential. The role offers a hybrid work model and various employee perks including a 25% staff discount.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

25% staff discount on food products

Free product samples

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Previous experience in packaging coordination or product development within the FMCG sector.
• Strong interest in health-focused products and sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Manage packaging reprints and ensure brand consistency.
• Maintain accurate product specifications and compliance.
• Support NPD from concept to launch and research new opportunities.

Skills

Packaging coordination experience

Interest in sustainability

Excellent organizational skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Attention to detail

Knowledge of food labelling regulations

Education

Degree-level qualification

Job description

Job Title: NPD & Packaging Co-ordinator

Location: South West London (Hybrid - 3 days office / 2 days remote)

Salary: £32,000 per annum

About the Company

Join a well‑established, mission‑driven food and drink business with over four decades of experience in delivering health food products. The company operates across six consumer brands and is committed to sustainability, innovation, and improving the well‑being of people and the planet.

Role Overview

This is a key role within the business, supporting both packaging operations and new product development across a portfolio of over 500 SKUs. You'll work closely with suppliers, technical teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure packaging quality, regulatory compliance, and the successful launch of new products.

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Management

• Manage packaging reprints across a large SKU base, ensuring brand consistency and timely delivery.
• Act as the main point of contact for packaging suppliers, maintaining strong relationships and clear communication.
• Monitor packaging stock levels and forecast reprint needs based on inventory and sales data.
• Coordinate supplier quotes, timelines, and resolve any packaging print issues.

Product Specifications & Compliance

• Maintain accurate product specifications across all SKUs, ensuring they are up‑to‑date and compliant.
• Collaborate with the Quality & Technical team to ensure packaging artwork meets legal, nutritional, and allergen labelling requirements.
• Oversee artwork approval processes and maintain detailed documentation of changes.

New Product Development (NPD)

• Support the NPD process from concept to launch across multiple brands.
• Conduct feasibility assessments and review product specifications.
• Research and identify new product opportunities aligned with brand and market trends.
• Coordinate sample requests, product testing, and liaise with cross‑functional teams including marketing, sales, and operations.

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in packaging coordination, product development, or technical roles within the FMCG sector (ideally food and drink).
• Strong interest in sustainability and health‑focused products.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects across a large SKU base.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable working with data to inform decisions.
• Outstanding attention to detail and communication skills.
• Knowledge of food labelling regulations and compliance requirements is beneficial.
• Degree‑level qualification required.

What's Offered

• Be part of a growing, purpose‑led business focused on sustainability and innovation.
• Friendly, collaborative team environment in a vibrant office setting.
• Riverside location with excellent transport links (close to Kingston upon Thames and Hampton Wick stations).
• Flexible working hours (start between 8:30‑10am, finish between 4:30‑6pm).
• Hybrid working model (3 days office / 2 days remote).
• Career development opportunities as the company scales.
• Free product samples and new product testing sessions.
• 25% staff discount on all food products.