NPI Programme Manager

The HEINEKEN Company; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global beverage company is looking for a Project Manager in Stellenbosch to lead New Product Introduction (NPI) projects. The successful candidate will manage project execution, foster stakeholder engagement, and drive business growth while ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. This role requires a relevant bachelor’s degree, project management certification, and at least 5 years of experience in program management within the FMCG sector. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills are crucial for this position.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in programme/project management within FMCG, preferably in NPI or innovation roles.
• Proven track record in cross-functional business partnering, stakeholder engagement, and programme governance.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing, supply chain, and commercialization processes.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and manage designated NPI projects to drive business growth.
• Foster a collaborative, motivated project team while leading project deliverables.
• Drive effective governance and continuous improvement of operational efficiency.

Skills

Project management expertise

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving

Agility

Strategic influence

Relationship building

Education

Relevant bachelor’s degree

Project management certification

Tools

Project tracking tools

Job description

We Go Places! How about you?
Immediate Superior: Lead: Innovation Project Management
Location: Stellenbosch
Function: Supply Chain
Sub Function: Supply Chain Services
Type of Contract: Permanent
Reference Number: 148740
Closing Date: 22/12/2025

Applications are invited for the above-mentioned position in Supply Chain Services based in Stellenbosch. The successful candidate will report to the Lead: Innovation Project Manager.

Purpose of the position:

This role requires strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills to balance agility with governance, drive momentum, and ensure that innovation projects contribute to business success.

Facilitate planning, execution, monitoring and control of risk, time, cost, quality and completion of strategic New Product Introduction (NPI) projects within the innovative governance framework.

Foster collaboration, accountability, and alignment with key stakeholders across the business.

Key Performance Areas would include, but are not limited to:

• Project/Programme management, operational execution, and excellence - Deliver and manage designated NPI projects to drive business growth and enhance competitiveness
• Stakeholder Engagement, Leadership & Strategic Enablement - Foster a collaborative, motivated project team while leading and proactively coaching project teams in relation to project deliverables.
• Governance, Compliance & Continuous Improvement - Drive effective governance, compliance, and continuous improvement of operational efficiency, new processes, and systems.

The successful candidate must have the following Skills and experience:

• Relevant bachelor’s degree and project management certification.
• 5+ years of experience in programme/project management within FMCG, preferably in NPI, or innovation roles.
• Proven track record in cross-functional business partnering, stakeholder engagement, and programme governance.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing, supply chain, and commercialisation processes.
• Strategic Influence & Relationship Building
• Problem-Solving & Agility
• Strong project management expertise (Gantt charts, risk matrices, project tracking tools).
• Adaptability and attention to detail.

The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply. Heineken Beverages (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd) is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates and values inclusion and diversity. You must be fully eligible to live and work in South Africa to apply.