NPI Automation Manager in Manchester

The New Product Introduction Automation Manager is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end introduction of new products from initial commercial planning and supplier onboarding through to system readiness, operational integration, and market launch. This role ensures that every new product is commercially viable, fully set up in internal systems, operationally supported, and available for customers to purchase on schedule. The role sits in operations at the intersection of commercial, supply chain and customer experience, acting as the central coordinator to deliver smooth, timely, and high-quality product introductions.

What you will be doing:

• New Product Planning & Feasibility: Collaborate with category and market teams to understand the role of NPI within each category and go to market strategy. Build project scopes, timelines, and deliverables for evolving NPI type requirements.
• Internal System & Operational Readiness: Drive creation and maintenance of item master data (SKUs, pricing, attributes, pack sizes, logistics data). Work with supply chain and operations to validate stocking strategy, MOQs, lead times, and delivery requirements. Ensure warehouse, inventory, and ERP systems are fully configured to receive, store, and pick the new product. Coordinate demand planning inputs and initial forecast volumes.
• Cross-Functional Project Management: Lead cross-functional NPI meetings and maintain progress against project plans. Identify risks, manage dependencies, and elevate issues early. Maintain clear documentation and communication across all business functions. Deliver product introductions on time, within scope, and aligned with commercial objectives.
• Launch Execution: Ensure marketing and sales teams receive accurate product information, assets, and positioning. Oversee readiness of customer-facing platforms (e-commerce, catalogues, brochures, sales tools). Monitor early sales performance and operational issues post-launch.
• Continuous Improvement: Analyse post-launch performance and identify opportunities for process refinement. Develop and improve NPI workflows, tools, and templates. Contribute to the evolution of product data standards, onboarding processes, and supplier engagement methods.

What we are looking for from you:

• Ability to drive the end-to-end NPI process, inputting into the strategic plan as well as driving delivery.
• Strong team management skills, with an ability to work with geographically dispersed teams.
• Ability to work in an international, matrix environment.
• Experience in distribution, wholesale, retail, or FMCG environments.
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent launches.
• Excellent cross-functional communication and stakeholder management.
• High attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Working knowledge of ERP, PIM, or item master data systems.
• Ability to interpret supply chain data (MOQs, lead times, inventory impacts).
• Experience working directly with suppliers or brands.
• Understanding of product compliance, regulatory requirements, and quality assurance.
• Knowledge of e-commerce product setup and digital merchandising needs.
• Formal project management training (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP, Agile) would be nice to have.

At RS we’ve been solving engineering problems for over 80 years: big ones, small ones, easy and difficult ones. We turn the ‘what ifs’ into the ‘why nots’, the impossible into the possible. Our purpose? Making amazing happen for a better world. We offer service and product solutions. We send out a parcel every 2 seconds, to over 130 countries. We provide over 700,000 in-stock and over 3 million unstocked products to more than 1.2 million customers. We want people like you, as you are curious about things, you like doing things differently and in a human way with empathy. Because that’s exactly how we partner with people – our customers, suppliers, colleagues, and communities – to solve problems. We’ll also invest in your development and wellbeing – because building a more diverse and inclusive culture, being ethical, responsible, and committed to our Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) action plan is at the heart of everything we do. Come and join us and over 9000 colleagues and we’ll help you to think big, do more and unleash your brilliance, so you do amazing things too.