Interim NPD Project Manager
Interim NPD Project Manager

Interim NPD Project Manager

Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead multiple projects in a fast-paced FMCG environment, ensuring timely delivery and collaboration.
  • Company: Join Advocate Group, a dynamic player in the UK food manufacturing sector.
  • Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility with occasional travel and potential for contract extension.
  • Why this job: Be part of a mission-critical role that drives innovation and commercial success.
  • Qualifications: Experience in FMCG project management, strong leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills required.
  • Other info: This is a 3-month contract with opportunities for growth and development.

Project Manager – FMCG Innovation

Location: Weybridge, Surrey

Job Type: Contract (Outside IR35)

Are you a talented Project Manager with a passion for FMCG innovation?

We are looking for someone to manage exciting innovation, renovation, line extension, and value engineering projects across dairy and plant-based categories. This is a hands-on role where you’ll bring projects from concept to market, influencing cross-functional teams and delivering results that drive business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage projects from strategic sign-off through to launch, ensuring they are delivered on time and in full.
  • Lead cross-functional project teams including marketing, finance, commercial, category, R&D, technical, and supply chain.
  • Own the project critical path, run meetings, manage risks, and provide regular progress updates.
  • Influence stakeholders to ensure project milestones are met and support prioritization of the project portfolio.
  • Provide timely updates for monthly innovation and category meetings.

Requirements:

  • Graduate or of graduate ability.
  • Proven experience managing full lifecycle projects, ideally within FMCG (food & drink experience is desirable but not essential).
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to plan and execute complex projects.
  • Organized, methodical, and able to prioritize effectively under pressure.
  • Commercially aware and able to challenge thinking to achieve project goals.
  • Excellent leadership, collaboration, and communication skills across multiple functions.
  • Proactive, results-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
  • Strong numeracy, attention to detail, and tenacity.
  • Full driving license required (some travel between manufacturing sites).

Why Join?

You’ll be part of a dynamic team delivering high-impact innovation in a fast-paced FMCG environment. Your work will directly influence product development, helping to bring exciting new offerings to consumers while driving business growth.

Apply now or contact Erin at the Advocate Group:

Email: Erin@advocate-group.co.uk

The Advocate Group is the exclusive talent partner for Monster Energy. All direct or third party applicants will be forwarded to The Advocate Group for processing.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Please note that The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.

Interim NPD Project Manager employer: Advocate Group

At Advocate Group, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer in the FMCG sector, offering a remote-first work environment that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Our culture fosters collaboration and growth, providing employees with opportunities to lead impactful projects while working alongside talented professionals across various functions. With a strong focus on personal development and the potential for contract extension or permanent roles, joining our team means being part of a forward-thinking company that values your contributions and supports your career journey.
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Contact Detail:

Advocate Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim NPD Project Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the FMCG sector, particularly in food manufacturing. Understanding current trends and challenges in this industry will help you speak confidently about your insights during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your experience with stage gate processes. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully navigated these processes, as this is crucial for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've led cross-functional teams in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to manage diverse stakeholders effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Be ready to discuss how you handle ambiguity and prioritise tasks. The fast-paced nature of this role means that demonstrating your agility and proactive approach will set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Interim NPD Project Manager

Project Management
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
Agile Methodologies
Stage Gate Process Familiarity
Commercial Acumen
Stakeholder Engagement
Presentation Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments
Technical Knowledge in Food Manufacturing
Communication Skills
Prioritisation Skills
Experience in NPD or Product Redevelopment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in FMCG project management, particularly in food and NPD. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage multiple projects.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Emphasise your experience with stage gate processes and your comfort in presenting to external stakeholders.

Showcase Your Agility: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully navigated fast-paced environments. Highlight your proactive approach and ability to operate in ambiguity, as these are crucial for this role.

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that your application is clear and professional.

How to prepare for a job interview at Advocate Group

✨Showcase Your Project Management Experience

Be prepared to discuss your previous project management roles, especially in FMCG and NPD. Highlight specific projects you've led, focusing on your ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver results under pressure.

✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration

Since the role requires working with various internal stakeholders, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams like R&D, Supply Chain, and Sales. This will show your ability to navigate complex environments.

✨Prepare for Stage Gate Process Questions

Familiarise yourself with the stage gate process as it’s crucial for this position. Be ready to explain how you’ve used this methodology in past projects to ensure timely delivery and alignment among teams.

✨Exhibit Agility and Problem-Solving Skills

The role demands agility in a fast-paced environment. Prepare to discuss situations where you had to adapt quickly to changes or solve unexpected problems, showcasing your proactive approach and discipline in prioritisation.

Interim NPD Project Manager
Advocate Group
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