At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the entire product development process from concept to launch in a dynamic team.
- Company: Fast-growing, design-led furniture brand with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, bonus schemes, and exclusive employee discounts.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a thriving company and make an impact on innovative furniture products.
- Qualifications: Experience in product development and strong supplier management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Our client is a fast-growing, design-led furniture brand. Working at the centre of a small, dynamic team including the founders, you will be joining them at the start of a period of expansion in the UK following huge success abroad. Sitting within the Supply Chain team, the role will be responsible for managing the New Product Development (NPD) pipeline from approved concept through to successful launch. You will ensure critical paths are managed effectively, development milestones are achieved and all product and launch requirements are delivered on time, and coordinate product development with manufacturing partners in China.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end NPD critical path from approved concept through to launch, ensuring key milestones and deliverables remain on schedule.
- Maintain a clear and accurate rolling pipeline of all products in development, including timelines, actions, dependencies and launch dates.
- Coordinate prototypes, samples, revisions, specifications, testing and approvals throughout the development process.
- Work backwards from agreed launch dates to ensure production, samples, photography, product information and Marketing requirements are completed at the right time.
- Identify risks or delays early and coordinate recovery plans with factories and internal teams to protect launch dates.
- Coordinate with factories to ensure product photography, imagery, dimensions, specifications and product information are completed accurately and supplied on time.
- Manage the handover of factory imagery and product information to Marketing for website renders, CGI, retouching and other customer-facing assets.
- Ensure samples and product information required by Marketing, Operations and other teams are available in line with the launch critical path.
- Provide clear and regular updates to stakeholders on pipeline status, upcoming milestones, risks and launch readiness.
- Support post-launch reviews and incorporate relevant learnings into future product development and launches.
China Factory Supplier Management
- Manage day-to-day product development relationships with factories and suppliers in China.
- Lead regular development meetings to review the NPD pipeline, progress against critical paths, outstanding actions and upcoming deadlines.
- Provide factories with clear briefs, specifications, feedback and approval requirements.
- Coordinate factory deliverables including samples, revisions, costing, testing, product information, photography and production requirements.
- Work with factories to resolve issues relating to product development, quality, manufacturing, cost and lead times.
- Identify supplier or production risks that could impact launch dates and escalate where appropriate.
- Use customer feedback, returns, product reviews and quality data to identify opportunities for product improvement.
- Ensure products meet relevant regulatory, compliance and internal quality requirements.
Experience Needed
- Previous experience in product development, NPD, sourcing or a related product role, ideally within furniture, homewares, interiors or physical consumer products.
- Experience working directly with factories and suppliers in China is highly desirable.
- Strong understanding of physical product development from concept and sampling through to production and launch.
- Excellent critical path and pipeline management skills, with the ability to manage multiple products and launch dates simultaneously.
- Strong supplier management skills, with the confidence to follow up, challenge and escalate where required.
- Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and follow-through.
- Proactive in identifying risks and resolving issues before they impact the critical path or launch date.
- Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across internal teams and international suppliers.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Free onsite parking
- Hybrid working (3 days Office/ 2 days WFH)
- Bonus Schemes
- Annual leave entitlement + bank holidays, tailored to support work-life balance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Wellbeing support
- Exclusive employee discounts across a wide range of well-known retailers and brands
A fabulous opportunity awaits – we look forward to your application.
NPD DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE in Stevenage employer: Strive Supply Chain Careers
As a leading 3PL based in Kent, our client offers an exceptional work environment for Transport Managers, characterised by a commitment to safety, compliance, and high service standards. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic team that values visible leadership and continuous improvement. Join a company that prioritises operational excellence and fosters a culture of collaboration and accountability, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in transport management.
Contact Details:
Strive Supply Chain Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE in Stevenage
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Strive Supply Chain Careers, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Strive Supply Chain Careers specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Strive Supply Chain Careers
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Strive Supply Chain Careers, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Strive Supply Chain Careers value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
