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- Tasks: Lead innovative projects from concept to production in sustainable materials.
- Company: Join a pioneering company transforming waste into high-performance textiles.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team making a real impact on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in product development and a degree in relevant fields required.
- Other info: Ideal for hands-on individuals ready to thrive in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Cambridgeshire, UK (Hybrid working available)
Company: Confidential (Sustainable Materials Manufacturer)
About the Company: Our client is a pioneering materials innovation company focused on sustainable, high-performance materials. With deep roots in aviation and automotive, their patented manufacturing process transforms materials and other waste streams into durable, beautiful recycled textiles with dramatically lower environmental impact. They are now expanding into consumer, fashion, and luxury markets, working with some of the world's most iconic brands to help build a more sustainable future.
Role Overview: We are seeking a dynamic and hands-on New Product Development (NPD) Manager to lead and deliver the end-to-end development of innovative, sustainable materials from concept through to production. This individual will be instrumental in bridging R&D, process engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams, ensuring that new products are industrialised effectively and launched successfully. This role is ideal for someone with experience in pilot-line or start-up manufacturing environments, who has previously had full lifecycle responsibility for taking new material-based or industrial products from lab to production scale.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead cross-functional product development projects from concept, through piloting, to scaled manufacturing.
- Collaborate with R&D, materials science, production, and commercial teams to define specifications and deliverables.
- Design and manage pilot and small-batch manufacturing trials.
- Oversee the transition from pilot to full production, including scale-up and process validation.
- Ensure product readiness for customer testing and feedback loops.
- Manage timelines, budgets, and project risk.
- Establish and refine stage-gate processes for NPD.
- Support commercial and marketing teams with technical documentation and product insights.
Candidate Profile:
- Proven experience in new product development within manufacturing or chemical/materials science sectors.
- Background in start-up, pilot-line or first-product environments is highly desirable.
- Experience working across R&D, production, and commercial functions.
- Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-changing environment.
- Hands-on approach with a strong bias towards action and accountability.
- Experience with sustainable materials, composites, or textiles is advantageous.
- Excellent project management and communication skills.
- Degree-qualified in a relevant discipline (Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry, etc.).
Why Join?
- Join a mission-driven team redefining sustainable materials innovation.
- Play a critical role in bringing breakthrough technologies to market.
- Be part of a collaborative, high-energy environment where creativity and ownership are valued.
- Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunity for growth in a scaling company.
To Apply: Please submit your CV to (url removed) and a short covering note outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.
New Product Development Manager employer: SoCode Limited
Contact Detail:
SoCode Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the sustainable materials sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with people who work in similar roles or companies. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in sustainable materials and product development. Read up on recent innovations and case studies in the field, as this knowledge will not only impress during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage projects effectively. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, particularly in pilot-line or start-up environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company's products and their impact on sustainability. Understanding their mission and how they position themselves in the market will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your values align with theirs during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in new product development, particularly in manufacturing or materials science. Emphasise any roles where you led cross-functional teams or managed projects from concept to production.
Craft a Compelling Covering Note: In your covering note, clearly outline your relevant experience and express your passion for sustainable materials. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your ability to bridge R&D, engineering, and commercial functions.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight skills that are crucial for the role, such as project management, communication, and hands-on experience in pilot-line or start-up environments. Use examples to illustrate how you've successfully managed timelines, budgets, and risks in previous roles.
Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with the company's mission and values, especially their focus on sustainability and innovation. This will help you align your application with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their vision.
How to prepare for a job interview at SoCode Limited
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in new product development, especially in manufacturing or materials science. Highlight specific projects where you took products from concept to production, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since the role involves working with various teams, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with R&D, production, and commercial teams in the past. This will show your ability to bridge different functions effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Hands-On Approach
The company values a hands-on approach, so be ready to discuss instances where you took initiative in pilot-line or start-up environments. Illustrate how your proactive attitude led to successful outcomes in product development.
✨Discuss Sustainable Practices
Given the company's focus on sustainable materials, prepare to talk about your experience with sustainable practices in product development. Share insights on how you can contribute to their mission of redefining sustainable materials innovation.
