NPI Automation Manager

RS Group; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail firm in Greater Manchester is seeking a New Product Introduction Automation Manager to oversee the introduction of new products from planning to market launch. This role acts as a central coordinator across commercial, supply chain, and customer experience. The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills, experience in retail or FMCG environments, and the ability to work with international teams. This position offers a dynamic work environment focused on product innovation and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Ability to drive the end‑to‑end NPI process and contribute to the strategic plan.
• Strong team management skills with experience leading geographically dispersed teams.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent launches.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams on NPI strategy and planning.
• Drive the creation and maintenance of master data for new products.
• Lead cross-functional meetings and maintain project progress.
• Ensure marketing teams receive accurate product information.
• Analyse post-launch performance for process improvement.

Skills

End-to-end NPI process management

Team management skills

Project management

Cross-functional communication

Attention to detail

ERP and item master data systems

Supply chain data interpretation

Supplier engagement

Understanding of product compliance

e-commerce product set-up

Job description

The New Product Introduction Automation Manager is responsible for overseeing the end‑to‑end introduction of new products from initial commercial planning and supplier onboarding through to system readiness, operational integration and market launch. This role ensures that every new product is commercially viable, fully set up in internal systems, operationally supported and available for customers to purchase on schedule. The role sits in operations at the intersection of commercial, supply chain and customer experience, acting as the central coordinator to deliver smooth, timely and high‑quality product introductions.

Job Responsibilities

1. New Product Planning & Feasibility
   • Collaborate with category and market teams to understand the role of NPI within each category and the go‑to‑market strategy.
   • Build project scopes, timelines and deliverables for evolving NPI type requirements.
2. Internal System & Operational Readiness
   • Drive creation and maintenance of item master data (SKUs, pricing, attributes, pack sizes, logistics data).
   • Work with supply chain and operations to validate stocking strategy, MOQs, lead times and delivery requirements.
   • Ensure warehouse, inventory and ERP systems are fully configured to receive, store and pick the new product.
   • Coordinate demand planning inputs and initial forecast volumes.
3. Cross‑Functional Project Management
   • Lead cross‑functional NPI meetings and maintain progress against project plans.
   • Identify risks, manage dependencies and escale issues early.
   • Maintain clear documentation and communication across all business functions.
   • Deliver product introductions on time, within scope and aligned with commercial objectives.
4. Launch Execution
   • Ensure marketing and sales teams receive accurate product information, assets and positioning.
   • Oversee readiness of customer‑facing platforms (e‑commerce, catalogues, brochures, sales tools).
   • Monitor early sales performance and operational issues post‑launch.
5. Continuous Improvement
   • Analyse post‑launch performance and identify opportunities for process refinement.
   • Develop and improve NPI workflows, tools and templates.
   • Contribute to the evolution of product data standards, onboarding processes and supplier engagement methods.

Qualifications & Skills

• Ability to drive the end‑to‑end NPI process and contribute to the strategic plan.
• Strong team management skills with experience leading geographically dispersed teams.
• Ability to work in an international, matrix environment.
• Experience in distribution, wholesale, retail or FMCG environments.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent launches.
• Excellent cross‑functional communication and stakeholder management.
• High attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Working knowledge of ERP, PIM or item master data systems.
• Ability to interpret supply chain data (MOQs, lead times, inventory impacts).
• Experience working directly with suppliers or brands.
• Understanding of product compliance, regulatory requirements and quality assurance.
• Knowledge of e‑commerce product set‑up and digital merchandising needs.
• Formal project management training (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP, Agile) is a plus.