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- Tasks: Lead the introduction of new products from planning to market launch.
- Company: Join RS, a leader in engineering solutions with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, career development, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving innovative product launches in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong project management skills and experience in retail or FMCG environments.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values curiosity and creativity while solving real-world problems.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The New Product Introduction (NPI) 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 escalate 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
- 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.
NPI Automation Manager in Manchester employer: RS Group
Contact Detail:
RS Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPI Automation Manager in Manchester
✨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 NPI process and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in project management and cross-functional collaboration can drive successful product launches. Keep it concise and impactful to grab their attention.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace NPI Automation Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the NPI Automation Manager role. Highlight your experience in project management and cross-functional collaboration, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your achievements in similar roles, especially in distribution or FMCG environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple product launches and drive operational readiness.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, clarity is key in communication, just like in the role itself!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application gets to the right people quickly. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our team at RS!
How to prepare for a job interview at RS Group
✨Know Your NPI Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the New Product Introduction process thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with how it integrates with commercial planning, supply chain, and customer experience. This will help you articulate your understanding of the role and demonstrate your ability to drive the end-to-end NPI process.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your project management experience, especially in managing multiple concurrent launches. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage risks, and maintain clear communication. This will show that you can handle the complexities of the role effectively.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Given the high attention to detail required for this position, come prepared with examples that showcase your organisational skills. Discuss how you've successfully managed item master data or ensured operational readiness in previous roles. This will reassure them that you can maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
✨Understand the Market and Customer Needs
Research the company’s products and their market positioning. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure that new products meet customer needs and are commercially viable. This shows that you’re not just focused on the internal processes but also on delivering value to customers.
