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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product development from concept to market launch in the drinks industry.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on innovation and sustainability in the beverage sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible work schedule with 4 days in the office and 1 day remote.
- Why this job: Be part of a rapidly growing team that values creativity and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and knowledge of the drinks or FMCG sectors required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with local artisans and develop unique branded merchandise.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
NPD Manager
London – 4 days/week in the office 1 day from home
Role Overview
Reporting directly to the Head of Creative, you will be responsible for managing the end-to-end delivery of products—ensuring timely, cost-effective execution from project initiation through to market launch. This includes securing stakeholder buy-in and approvals at key stages, while maintaining the highest quality standards throughout.
Leveraging strong project management expertise and a deep understanding of the drinks industry, you’ll work across all business sites to proactively identify and manage the impacts and interdependencies of new product development (NPD). Your scope will include overseeing development within categories such as whisky, rum, and cognac.
You will also be tasked with identifying and developing opportunities to collaborate with local artisans for the creation of branded merchandise—both for retail and online platforms—as well as POS materials. This may extend to the development of food products and packaging innovations.
Working closely with the in-house creative team, you’ll take ownership of sourcing dry goods including labels, bottles, cartons, and corks, ensuring alignment with brand standards and timelines.
This is a unique opportunity for a driven and detail-oriented professional to join a dynamic organisation undergoing rapid growth and operational transformation.
Key Responsibilities
Project Planning & Execution
- Develop and manage comprehensive project plans for NPD initiatives, outlining key milestones, timelines, resource allocations, and decision points to ensure timely delivery.
Project Briefs
- Create and communicate clear project timelines and briefs, covering design and packaging scope, pricing structures, value and volume metrics, cost of goods, and distribution strategies.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with in-house project managers to execute NPD projects across creative, marketing, production, sales, and external agencies.
- Coordinate with resources at both head office and production sites to meet stakeholder expectations, ensuring accountability and seamless execution of line extensions and new brand concepts.
Stakeholder Communication & Management
- Maintain consistent communication with all internal and external stakeholders throughout the NPD lifecycle.
- Lead and facilitate internal/external NPD meetings, in partnership with project managers, ensuring agendas, minutes, actions, and updates are documented and shared.
- Monitor and manage risks, issues, and deliverables to ensure alignment with project priorities and deadlines.
Relationship Management
- Build strong, collaborative relationships across suppliers and internal teams.
- Ensure packaging reflects company's commitment to sustainability while maintaining premium quality, by selecting environmentally responsible materials and solutions.
Budget Management
- Oversee project budgets, ensuring resources are used efficiently and financial goals are met.
Product Testing & Quality Assurance
- Manage pre-launch testing and quality checks to ensure all products meet defined standards and specifications.
- Conduct site visits to bottling halls as needed to verify that packaging and design meet production standards.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation
- Ensure all new products adhere to applicable regulations and industry standards.
- Proactively identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies to safeguard project outcomes.
Post-Launch Evaluation
- Conduct evaluations following product launches to measure performance and gather insights for future improvements.
Requirements
- Deep knowledge of supply chain and operations, ideally within the drinks or FMCG sectors
- Proven experience with logistics planning, label compliance and international goods movement
- Strong track record in category innovation, including packaging and POS development
- In-depth understanding of the drinks industry
- Demonstrated project management expertise with the ability to drive complex initiatives to successful completion
New Product Development Manager employer: Lime Talent
Contact Detail:
Lime Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the drinks industry, especially whisky, rum, and cognac. Understanding current trends and consumer preferences will help you speak confidently about product development during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the NPD field, particularly those who have experience in the drinks sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could lead to valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management experiences in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects, including stakeholder communication and budget management.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of sustainability in packaging and product development. Highlight any previous work where you implemented eco-friendly practices, as this aligns with the company's commitment to responsible sourcing.
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 relevant experience in new product development, project management, and the drinks industry. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage projects from initiation to market launch.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the drinks industry and your understanding of the role. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly in stakeholder communication and cross-functional collaboration.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In your application, emphasise any past successes in managing NPD projects, especially those involving packaging innovations or collaboration with suppliers. Quantify your achievements where possible to demonstrate impact.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills: Detail your project management expertise by providing examples of how you've developed and executed comprehensive project plans. Discuss your experience with budget management and risk mitigation strategies to show you can handle the complexities of this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lime Talent
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your project management experience in detail. Highlight specific projects you've led, focusing on how you managed timelines, resources, and stakeholder communication. Use examples from the drinks industry if possible, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Drinks Industry
Demonstrate your knowledge of the drinks industry, particularly in categories like whisky, rum, and cognac. Research current trends and challenges within the sector, and be ready to discuss how these might impact new product development.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since the role involves working with various teams, be sure to highlight your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with creative, marketing, and production teams to achieve project goals.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you manage relationships with stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your approach to maintaining communication, managing expectations, and resolving conflicts. Providing concrete examples will help illustrate your capabilities.
