At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage retail product launches and ensure timely delivery of packaging and products.
- 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 encouraging 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. So, fancy coming along for the ride?
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. If you're someone who thrives on getting things done, loves a well‑built project plan, and can't resist fixing an inefficiency when you spot one, this might just be the role for you. Please note, this is a junior‑mid level role which reports into our Head of NPD.
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 in London employer: Wild
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, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development, all while working in our modern London office. With generous benefits including hybrid working, mental health support, and a commitment to diversity, joining Wild means becoming part of a mission-driven team that values your contributions and empowers you to make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail NPD Project Manager in London
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Wild, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Wild!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail NPD Project Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Wild, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Wild and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Wild that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wild
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
