At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage retail product launches and ensure timely delivery of packaging and samples.
- Company: Join Wild, a fast-growing start-up on a mission to eliminate single-use plastics.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, hybrid working, private healthcare, and free breakfast.
- Other info: Diverse workplace that values authenticity and encourages all backgrounds to apply.
- Why this job: Be part of a team making a real impact in sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: Strong project management skills and a proactive approach are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Us: Hi there We’re Wild. We’re on a mission to remove single‑use plastic from the bathroom, armed with our refillable, natural and scent‑sational deodorants, body wash, and lip balm – and we’ve only just started. We launched in 2020 and as a high‑growth company, we’re already one of Europe’s fastest‑growing start‑ups.
The Role: We're looking for a highly organised, delivery‑obsessed Retail NPD Project Manager to join our NPD team and make sure Wild's retail product ranges and packaging land on time, to spec, and with everything in place for our retailers and sales team to succeed. This is an executional, hands‑on role that sits at the heart of how we bring products to market. You'll be the connective tissue between NPD, supply chain, creative, and retail – translating range strategy into a well‑managed, airtight product and packaging pipeline.
Some of your responsibilities:
- Retail range planning and sell‑in support
- Build and maintain the annual retail SKU sell‑in list, covering all products and formats available to the retail team for each sell‑in window, including permanent core range, new annual case and scent pairings, and retailer‑exclusive options
- Ensure alignment with demand and retail teams on the annual calendar of retailer range review dates across all key accounts and geographies (UK, US, AU, EU)
- Maintain a clear view of permanent vs rotating SKUs and shared product menu vs retailer‑exclusive builds, flagging implications for production planning early
- Retail launch project management
- Own and maintain a master retail launch calendar across all retailers and geographies
- Build and manage detailed project plans for each retail launch, proactively flagging risks to timelines, PO placement deadlines, and sampling windows well in advance
- Coordinate across NPD, supply chain, creative, retail, and compliance to keep launches on track
- Act as the day‑to‑day point of contact for retail account managers on all product and timeline queries
- Maintain clear, up‑to‑date systems for tracking PO placement deadlines, launch dates, and sampling requirements
- Spot inefficiencies in how retail launches are managed and proactively suggest and implement improvements, leveraging AI wherever possible to optimise processes
- Drive accountability across cross‑functional teams, proactively escalating blockers promptly and confidently when timelines are at risk
- Comfortable challenging senior stakeholders and holding cross‑functional teams to deadlines, with the confidence to escalate when commitments aren’t being met
- Packaging delivery
- Project manage all packaging creation for retail formats – including starter packs, refills, gift sets, licensed products, seasonal ranges, SRPs, and master cartons – for both new SKUs and ongoing amendments to existing ones
- Own packaging delivery for DTC formats, ad hoc gifting, and mailer boxes
- Track artwork approval processes including third‑party licensor sign‑offs, ensuring these are built into project timelines from the outset
- Manage sample creation end‑to‑end: from briefing manufacturers to coordinating delivery of shelf‑ready samples to retail partners on time
- Ensure all new packaging is COGS optimised and proactively identify opportunities to improve margin across all formats
- Systems, tooling & automation
- Build and maintain sophisticated project tracking tools (including linked spreadsheets, databases and automated dashboards) that give the business real‑time visibility on launch timelines and risks
- Proactively identify manual or inefficient workflows and redesign them, using automation to reduce friction
- Use AI tools to accelerate builds, surface risks earlier and improve the quality and speed of cross‑functional communication
- Own the single source of truth for all retail launch data, ensuring it’s always current and accessible to stakeholders across the business
- Retail readiness
- Make sure the sales team has everything they need to sell into retailers including samples, product specs, pricing, and launch timings ahead of each sell‑in window
- Manage retailer‑specific requirements such as planogram dimensions, case configurations, and compliance documentation, ensuring product is built to spec from day one
What we need from you: We welcome applications from candidates who may not tick every box — if you're passionate about our mission and believe you have the skills to add real value, we'd love to hear from you!
Essential:
- Strong project management skills with a track record of managing multiple workstreams simultaneously without dropping the detail
- Highly organised with a proactive, follow‑through approach. Comfortable owning timelines and chasing across teams to keep things moving
- A clear and confident cross‑functional communicator who can build effective working relationships with commercial, creative, and operational teams
- Commercially aware, with an understanding of retail trading environments and how product ranges are managed across key accounts
- A natural problem‑solver who spots operational gaps and fixes them without being asked
Desirable:
- Experience in an NPD, packaging, product, or project management role within a consumer goods or FMCG business
- Familiarity with retail sell‑in processes and range review cycles
- Experience working with packaging production, sampling, or contract manufacturers
What you’ll get from us:
- 25 days holidays + bank holidays + 9 extra remote working days
- Hybrid working, 3 days a week in our shiny new London office
- 4% Company Pension
- Mental well‑being support through Spill
- Private healthcare through Vitality
- Weekly early finishes and social events
- Annual L&D budget
- Free breakfast
- Free & discounted Wild products
- 2 x team volunteering days and 2 x personal volunteering days
Ready to become a Wild thing?! At Wild, we know that diversity drives innovation and creativity. We are committed to creating and maintaining a workplace where all employees feel valued and empowered to bring their most authentic selves to work. We recognise that diversity goes beyond visible differences such as race, gender, age, and ethnicity and encompasses a broad spectrum of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and abilities. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply! If we can make any adjustments to help you to perform your best in the process, please let us know!
Retail NPD Project Manager employer: Wearewild
At Wild, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer dedicated to sustainability and employee well-being. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, offering ample opportunities for professional growth in a fast-paced environment. With benefits like hybrid working, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to diversity, joining our team means being part of a mission-driven company that values your contributions and supports your development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail NPD Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Wild and its mission! Research their products and values so you can show genuine enthusiasm during interviews. This will help you connect with the team and demonstrate that you're not just another candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, and ask them about their experiences. This insider info can give you an edge and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to project management and retail. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills in managing timelines and cross-functional communication.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Wild team and ready to make an impact!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail NPD Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Wild's mission shine through! We want to see that you genuinely care about removing single-use plastics and are excited about the role.
Be Organised:Since this role is all about project management, make sure your application reflects your organisational skills. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a tidy layout to make it easy for us to read and understand your experience.
Tailor Your Experience:Don’t just send a generic application! Highlight your relevant experience in project management, retail, or NPD. Show us how your skills align with what we’re looking for in the Retail NPD Project Manager role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wearewild
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Wild's mission and products. Familiarise yourself with their refillable deodorants, body wash, and lip balm. Being able to discuss how your skills align with their goals will show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Show Off Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you successfully managed multiple workstreams. Highlight how you kept everything on track and resolved any issues that popped up. This role is all about execution, so demonstrating your organisational prowess is key!
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since this role involves cross-functional communication, think of ways you've built effective relationships in previous roles. Be ready to share specific instances where your communication made a difference.
✨Spot the Gaps
Wild is looking for someone who can identify inefficiencies and suggest improvements. Come prepared with ideas on how you would optimise processes or tools in a retail launch context. Showing that you can think critically and proactively will set you apart!
