NPI Manager, Dairy Solutions & Launch Leadership

Kinisla; Portadown; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave (excluding bank)

Matched pension scheme

Benefits platform with discounts

Employee Assistance Policy

Job summary

Kinisla is seeking an experienced NPI Manager to lead and develop the NPI team responsible for new product introductions, transfers, and packaging across the dairy portfolio. You will drive governance, project ownership, and cross-functional collaboration from mobilisation through launch and post-launch review.

You will ensure robust escalation paths, manage risks, and Coach the team to deliver compliant, scalable manufacturing solutions that meet customer requirements and strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in NPI, process development or product implementation in food manufacturing.
• Proven ability to set direction, delegate, coach and intervene when oversight is required.
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Dairy Science, Engineering or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and empower the NPI team to deliver multiple commercialisation and process implementation projects through to launch.
• Set priorities, delegate ownership and ensure robust scope, plans, milestones and launch readiness.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary stakeholders and resolve barriers with senior alignment when needed.
• Plan and execute pilot plant work, factory trials and commercial start-ups with validated process parameters.
• Ensure robust audit-ready handovers with process capability, quality performance and validation documentation.
• Evaluate raw material and packaging specs and manage packaging changes to meet requirements.
• Maintain governance and approvals to ensure compliance with food legislation and customer codes of practice.
• Oversee risk management, governance reviews and launch readiness, escalating as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Project governance

Stakeholder management

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Food Science / Dairy Science / Engineering degree

Project Management qualification

Lean Six Sigma certification

Job description

Kinisla is seeking an experienced NPI Manager to lead and develop the NPI team responsible for new product introductions, transfers, and packaging across the dairy portfolio. You will drive governance, project ownership, and cross-functional collaboration from mobilisation through launch and post-launch review.

You will ensure robust escalation paths, manage risks, and Coach the team to deliver compliant, scalable manufacturing solutions that meet customer requirements and strategic priorities.