At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting new product development projects in a fast-paced pet food company.
- Company: Join a values-driven, innovative brand making waves in the pet industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of pet products while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years NPD experience; strong project management and communication skills required.
- Other info: Great growth opportunities and a supportive culture await you!
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced NPD professional looking for your next challenge within a fast-growing, values-driven consumer brand? We’re supporting a hugely successful pet food company in London as they hire a New Product Development Manager to join their expanding team and play a key role in shaping their 2024-2025 product roadmap. This is an exciting opportunity to step into an established NPD function during a period of growth, supporting the business through an important phase of innovation, product launches and category development.
You’ll be taking ownership of key projects, artwork and packaging management, regulatory processes, and cross-functional coordination — ensuring new products move smoothly from concept to launch.
What You’ll Be Doing- Owning and managing end-to-end NPD projects across multiple product lines
- Leading artwork creation, packaging development and sign-off processes
- Ensuring full regulatory compliance and documentation across all NPD stages
- Coordinating with marketing, supply chain, operations and senior leadership to deliver on timelines and launch targets
- Managing project workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and driving solutions proactively
- Analysing market and competitor trends to support data-led innovation
- Supporting the team with supplier selection, relationship management and product feasibility assessments
- Evaluating samples, collecting feedback, and recommending improvements
- Ensuring cross-functional alignment throughout development, testing and go-to-market activity
- Acting as the central connector within the NPD team while fostering strong working relationships across the business
- 3-5 years’ experience in end-to-end NPD within FMCG, food, drink, personal care or similar
- Confident working with artwork, packaging, specifications and regulatory processes
- Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders
- Excellent communicator who can influence, update and collaborate cross-functionally
- Highly organised, detail-driven and comfortable managing complex workflows
- A proactive problem solver who sees issues early and navigates them calmly
- A team player with a positive, solutions-focused approach
- Able to be office-based three days per week in Central London
- Passion for pet health, wellbeing or consumer innovation is a definite bonus
- A chance to join a growing, ambitious brand with strong market momentum
- A supportive team culture with a blend of experience, energy and innovation
- You’ll have real ownership and the ability to shape processes and future launches
- Exposure to senior leaders and cross-functional teams
- High-growth environment with scope for longer-term opportunities as the team expands
- A business that invests in people, learning and creating a positive workplace
- Salary up to £50,000, depending on experience (some flex for the perfect candidate)
- Hybrid working – 3 office days (Mon/Tue/Thu), 2 WFH
- 25 days holiday + birthday off
- Private healthcare (including dental & optical)
- Pension with employer contributions
- Annual L&D budget (£1,000)
- Wellness allowance (£50 per month)
- Paid charity days
- Counselling & coaching support
- Paw-ternity leave
- Sabbatical programme (after 4 years)
- Regular socials, team lunches and a collaborative culture
If you’re an organised, detail-driven NPD professional who thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment, we’d love to speak with you. Apply today or reach out for a confidential conversation on 01214680934.
New Product Development Manager employer: The Animal People Recruitment Company
Contact Detail:
The Animal People Recruitment Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a New Product Development Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Familiarise yourself with their recent launches and innovations. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their NPD efforts right from the get-go.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your past NPD experiences and how they relate to the role. Highlight your project management skills and how you’ve successfully navigated complex workflows in previous positions.
✨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 keen on joining our team and contributing to our exciting journey in the pet food industry.
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the NPD role. Highlight your project management skills and any relevant experience in FMCG or similar industries. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about pet health and consumer innovation. Share specific examples of your past NPD projects and how they align with our values-driven approach.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention times when you've navigated challenges in NPD. We love proactive problem solvers who can identify bottlenecks and drive solutions, so let us know how you've done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Animal People Recruitment Company
✨Know Your NPD Fundamentals
Brush up on your new product development knowledge, especially in FMCG. Be ready to discuss your experience with end-to-end NPD processes and how you've successfully managed multiple projects in the past.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your project management abilities. Think about times when you coordinated with various stakeholders or solved problems proactively. This will demonstrate your capability to handle complex workflows.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since this role requires excellent communication skills, be prepared to discuss how you've influenced cross-functional teams and maintained strong relationships in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
While you don’t need pet industry experience, showing a genuine interest in pet health and consumer innovation can set you apart. Share any relevant personal experiences or insights that connect you to the brand's values and mission.