At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product launches and packaging development in a dynamic drinks manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking leader in the drinks sector focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, great benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values creativity and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of iconic brands while collaborating with passionate teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD/NPI within FMCG or drinks industry; strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Nine Twenty Engineering & Manufacturing are delighted to be supporting a leading player in the drinks manufacturing sector in their search for an NPD Leader. This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven professional to take ownership of new product introduction, packaging development, and master data management for a highly respected and forward-thinking organisation in the industry.
The Role
This is a cross-functional and high-impact role responsible for the end-to-end delivery of new products, from concept through to production, ensuring seamless manufacturing integration, regulatory compliance, and data integrity. You'll collaborate across departments including marketing, procurement, production, and supply chain to ensure new product launches are delivered successfully, old products are phased out effectively, and packaging solutions meet evolving sustainability and productivity demands.
Key Responsibilities
- New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Lead cross-functional teams to deliver NPI & change projects on time and within scope.
- Champion process discipline and educate marketing/design teams on technical constraints and opportunities.
- Oversee procurement coordination, dry goods sourcing, and timeline management.
- Track and report NPI progress, highlighting risks, roadblocks, and opportunities.
- Collaborate with supply and demand to manage product lifecycle transitions.
- Design and implement packaging that aligns with cost, sustainability, and technical requirements.
- Liaise with suppliers, designers, and production teams to ensure packaging is fit-for-purpose.
- Oversee testing, regulatory compliance, and packaging innovation initiatives.
- Maintain accuracy across all product-related master data (BOMs, specs, pricing, etc.).
- Implement best practices in data governance and system optimisation.
Essential Experience
- NPI/NPD project experience within the drinks or FMCG manufacturing industry (spirits highly desirable but would consider candidates from outwith).
- Strong background in packaging technologies, materials, and bottling operations.
- Proven experience managing cross-functional projects with multiple stakeholders.
- Proficient with ERP systems (AS400 or similar), Excel, and MS Office Suite.
- Strong organisational, communication, and reporting skills.
Desirable
- 5+ years in change/project management within the spirits industry.
- Knowledge of French (verbal/written).
- Packaging technology/design qualifications.
What We’re Looking For
- A proactive, pragmatic problem-solver with the confidence to lead and influence.
- Someone resilient, detail-oriented, and able to manage conflicting priorities.
- A natural collaborator who can bring structure, clarity, and momentum to complex projects.
Why Apply?
- Join a business that values innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
- Be a key player in shaping the future of iconic brands and new product lines.
- Work with a high-performing, supportive, and passionate team in a dynamic environment.
Interested? Apply now! We’re proud to support our client and here to guide you through every step of the process.
NPD Leader in Bathgate employer: NT Engineering & Manufacturing
Contact Detail:
NT Engineering & Manufacturing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Leader in Bathgate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the drinks manufacturing sector, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research the company’s recent product launches and sustainability initiatives. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your project management skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led cross-functional teams or managed NPI projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Leader in Bathgate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the NPD Leader role. Highlight your experience in new product introduction and packaging development, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in managing cross-functional projects and how you can bring value to our team.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your proficiency with ERP systems and your strong organisational skills. We love candidates who can demonstrate their technical know-how and ability to manage multiple stakeholders effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at NT Engineering & Manufacturing
✨Know Your NPD Inside Out
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of New Product Development (NPD) in the drinks sector. Brush up on your knowledge of packaging technologies, regulatory compliance, and the entire product lifecycle. This will help you speak confidently about how you can lead cross-functional teams and manage projects effectively.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with various departments, be ready to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight specific instances where you’ve brought structure and clarity to complex projects, and how you managed conflicting priorities while keeping everyone aligned.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive into your technical expertise, especially around packaging development and master data management. Be prepared to discuss your experience with ERP systems and how you’ve implemented best practices in data governance. This shows you’re not just a leader but also technically savvy.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
As a proactive problem-solver, think of scenarios where you faced challenges in NPD or project management. Prepare to share how you identified risks, overcame roadblocks, and turned opportunities into successes. This will illustrate your resilience and ability to drive projects forward.