At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development from concept to launch, managing multiple projects.
- Company: Join a well-established business in Buckinghamshire with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a creative environment, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive team.
- Why this job: Combine your creativity and project management skills in a fast-paced, innovation-led role.
- Qualifications: Proven NPD experience, strong project management skills, and confidence in customer interactions.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced NPD professional with a passion for innovation and a talent for bringing products to life? We are partnering with a well-established business in Buckinghamshire that is looking to appoint a confident and commercially aware NPD Manager to join their growing team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a proven NPD leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working closely with major retailers to deliver successful product launches.
The Role
As NPD Manager, you will take ownership of the end-to-end product development process – from concept through to launch – ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standard. You will work cross-functionally with internal teams and act as a key point of contact for retail customers, presenting ideas and managing expectations throughout the development cycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage multiple NPD projects from concept to launch
- Drive innovation aligned with customer and market trends
- Build and maintain strong relationships with retail customers
- Present concepts and product updates confidently to external stakeholders
- Collaborate cross-functionally across technical, commercial, and operations teams
- Ensure project timelines, budgets, and critical paths are effectively managed
About You
- Established NPD experience within a relevant FMCG or manufacturing environment
- Strong project management capability with proven delivery of successful launches
- Confident in customer-facing situations, ideally with retailer exposure
- Commercially astute with an innovation-focused mindset
- Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities
What’s on Offer
- Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home, depending on business needs)
- A collaborative and forward-thinking culture
- The opportunity to make a real impact within an innovation-led business.
If you are looking for a role where you can combine creativity, customer engagement, and structured project delivery – we would love to hear from you.
NPD Manager employer: Zest Recruitment
Join a well-established business in Buckinghamshire as an NPD Manager, where innovation and collaboration are at the heart of our culture. We offer hybrid working arrangements, a supportive environment that encourages creativity, and the chance to make a significant impact on product development. With strong growth opportunities and a focus on building lasting relationships with major retailers, this role is perfect for those looking to thrive in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the NPD field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your pitch ready! When you land an interview, be prepared to showcase your project management skills and how you've successfully launched products in the past. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on market trends! As an NPD Manager, being aware of what's hot in the FMCG world will help you impress potential employers. Share your insights during interviews to show you're ahead of the game.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic NPD roles waiting for you. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the NPD Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in product development and project management, and don’t forget to showcase any successful launches you've been part of!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for innovation and how your skills align with the job description. Be sure to mention your experience with major retailers and your ability to manage multiple projects.
Showcase Your Achievements:When filling out your application, don’t just list your responsibilities. Instead, focus on your achievements and the impact you’ve made in previous roles. Numbers and specific examples can really make you stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Recruitment
✨Know Your NPD Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the end-to-end product development process. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led, focusing on how you drove innovation and managed timelines and budgets.
✨Showcase Your Retail Relationships
Prepare examples of how you've built and maintained strong relationships with retail customers. Highlight any successful product launches where you acted as the key point of contact, showcasing your confidence in customer-facing situations.
✨Be Ready to Present
Since you'll be presenting concepts and updates to external stakeholders, practice your presentation skills. Use clear, engaging visuals and be prepared to answer questions about your ideas and how they align with market trends.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Skills
Come equipped with examples that demonstrate your project management capabilities. Discuss how you've effectively managed multiple priorities and ensured successful delivery of projects, especially in fast-paced environments.