At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development and create sustainable packaging solutions.
- Company: Join a market-leading packaging business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and ongoing development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product innovation and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD or technical management within manufacturing or packaging.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a New Product Development Manager to lead innovation, product development, and technical delivery at our Weston-super-Mare site. This role is central to driving customer-focused packaging solutions, supporting commercial growth, and delivering technically robust, operationally viable, and sustainable corrugated products. You will own the end‑to‑end new product development and introduction process – from early concept and customer engagement through to first production runs and post‑launch optimisation.
Working closely with Sales, Design, Operations, Supply Chain, and external partners, you will ensure new products meet customer requirements while supporting margin, efficiency, and continuous improvement objectives.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and manage the full New Product Development (NPD) lifecycle, ensuring robust governance from concept through to launch and scale‑up.
- Act as the technical interface for customers, providing expert support to Sales and Commercial teams to deliver compelling, value‑led packaging solutions.
- Translate customer specifications into manufacturable designs that meet production capabilities, cost targets, and quality standards.
- Manage new business and innovation projects, supporting growth through differentiated packaging propositions.
- Oversee first‑off trials and production runs, ensuring smooth handover into operations and identifying opportunities for optimisation.
- Drive margin enhancement and cost take‑out initiatives through material optimisation, process improvement, and supplier collaboration.
- Maintain and develop site‑specific technical data, machine capabilities, and process limitations.
- Lead engagement with graphics, stereo, ink, and tooling suppliers, ensuring quality, service, and cost performance through structured supplier management.
- Support continuous improvement of site printing, die‑cutting, and conversion capabilities in collaboration with Operations.
- Provide technical input into paper grade selection and material performance using recognised tools and system data.
- Ensure all NPD and technical activities comply with company Health, Safety, Quality, and Hygiene standards.
- Set, track, and deliver departmental objectives aligned to site and divisional strategy.
- Experienced NPD or Technical Manager within a manufacturing or packaging environment (corrugated experience desirable).
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance customer requirements, operational capability, and margin delivery.
- Confident leader with an approachable, collaborative style and the ability to influence across functions.
- Highly organised with strong project management skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills, able to engage effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
- Data‑driven and solutions‑focused, with a track record of delivering innovation and continuous improvement.
- A highly visible role with real influence on product innovation and commercial success.
- The opportunity to work closely with key customers on progressive, sustainable packaging solutions.
- A collaborative site culture with strong links across commercial, operational, and technical teams.
- Ongoing development opportunities within a market‑leading packaging business.
- Competitive salary & benefits, including annual leave, pension, and a Cycle to Work scheme.
- 24/7 confidential support for you and your family.
- Flexible working options and family‑friendly policies.
Smurfit Westrock reserve the right to only shortlist candidates who meet both the Essential and Desirable Criteria. We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex, religious or similar philosophical belief, political opinion, race, age, sexual orientation, or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership, or, whether they are disabled, or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment. We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job.
New Product Design Manager – weston super mare, Somerset, BS24 9BH employer: Recruit4Mum
At Smurfit Westrock, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Weston-super-Mare that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing development opportunities and a supportive culture that values work-life balance, including flexible working options and family-friendly policies. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the packaging industry while enjoying competitive benefits and a strong sense of community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Design Manager – weston super mare, Somerset, BS24 9BH
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through a portfolio or case studies. If you've worked on relevant projects, bring them to the table during interviews. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your expertise and creativity in product design.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Smurfit Westrock.
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Design Manager – weston super mare, Somerset, BS24 9BH
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the New Product Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in NPD and how it aligns with our focus on customer-driven packaging solutions.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past roles that show your project management abilities and how you've driven innovation in a manufacturing or packaging environment.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit4Mum
✨Know Your NPD Lifecycle
Make sure you understand the full New Product Development lifecycle. Be ready to discuss how you've managed projects from concept to launch, and think of specific examples where you’ve driven innovation or improved processes.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Prepare to demonstrate your technical knowledge in packaging solutions. Brush up on how to translate customer specifications into manufacturable designs, and be ready to discuss any relevant tools or systems you've used in past roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams. Think about how you’ve collaborated with Sales, Design, and Operations in the past, and be prepared to share examples of how you’ve influenced decisions and driven results.
✨Focus on Continuous Improvement
Be ready to talk about your approach to continuous improvement. Share specific instances where you’ve identified opportunities for optimisation or cost reduction, and how those initiatives positively impacted the business.
