Job DescriptionWe are seeking a dynamic and experienced New Product Development (NPD) Manager to join our team at a leading company in the supplement and self-care industry. The NPD Manager will be responsible for managing the end-to-end product development process, from concept to launch, ensuring that all new products align with the company's strategic objectives and meet market needs. This role requires a strong blend of creativity, project management, and industry knowledge to drive innovation and maintain our competitive edge in the market.
Key Responsibilities:
- Product Development: Lead the development of new supplement and self-care products, working closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, marketing, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs to ensure products meet customer expectations and regulatory requirements.
- Market Research & Trend Analysis: Conduct ongoing market research to identify emerging trends, consumer needs, and competitive products. Use insights to inform product development and innovation strategies.
- Project Management: Oversee the entire NPD process, from ideation to product launch, including timeline management, resource allocation, and budget adherence. Ensure all projects are delivered on time and within budget.
- Supplier & Vendor Management: Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers to source ingredients, materials, and packaging. Ensure all suppliers meet the company's quality and ethical standards.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all new products comply with relevant UK and international regulations. Work closely with the regulatory affairs team to secure necessary approvals and certifications.
- Consumer Testing & Feedback: Organize and manage consumer testing programs to gather feedback on product concepts and prototypes. Use data to refine and optimize product formulations and features.
- Innovation & Ideation: Foster a culture of innovation within the product development team. Encourage creative thinking and the exploration of new ideas that can lead to breakthrough products.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the central point of contact for NPD projects, facilitating communication and collaboration across departments to ensure a smooth and efficient development process.
- Product Launch: Work with marketing and sales teams to develop go-to-market strategies, including product positioning, pricing, and promotional plans. Ensure successful product launches that meet sales and revenue targets.
- Performance Monitoring: Track the performance of newly launched products, analyzing sales data, customer feedback, and market trends to inform future product development efforts.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Food Science, Nutrition, Marketing, or a related field. A master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., PMP) is a plus.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development, preferably within the supplement, self-care, or FMCG industries. Experience managing the full product lifecycle is essential.