NPD Project Manager

NPD Project Manager

Manchester

£35,000 - £401,000

My Client is a leading independent UK FMCG company with an excellent reputation and a strong presence within its markets. The business comprises of a group of companies and specialises in successfully trading and manufacturing high quality brands within the competitive price sector. As part of its strategic growth plan the business is expanding rapidly and is currently looking to strengthen the team with the appointment of an experienced NPD Project Manager from within the FMCG industry.

The successful candidate will be offered a competitive salary, flexible start and finish times and some home working (following probationary period)

This is an excellent opportunity for an established and experienced Project Manager with appropriate experience to join the business offering a rare opportunity to develop and enhance aspects of this growing company. With a varied remit, this position offers a wide spectrum of responsibilities that include interfacing with all internal functions such as commercial, operations, supply chain and technical as well as external bodies such as customers and suppliers.

Purpose of the job

Create and designate a strategic plan to achieve project intended objectives, prepare budgets, monitor progress, and keep stakeholders informed the entire way. Responsible for planning and overseeing projects to ensure they are completed in a timely fashion and within budget.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Controlling the master file of new and existing product development
• Preparing and completing action and time plans for NPD, developing detailed project plans
• Manage day-to-day operational aspects of the project(s).
• Ensures project documents are complete, current, and appropriately stored.
• Managing and contributing to new product development meetings
• Liaising with company departments, customers, suppliers and partner organisations to expedite projects
• Resolving problems and issues related to product development.
• Evaluating product launches
• Coordinate internal resources and third parties/vendors for the flawless execution of multiple projects
• Ensure that all projects are delivered on-time, within scope and within budget
• Assist in the definition of project scope and objectives, involving all relevant internal stakeholders and ensuring technical feasibility
• Ensure resource availability and allocation
• Develop a detailed project plan to monitor and track progress
• Manage changes to the project scope, project schedule, and project costs using appropriate verification techniques
• Measure performance using appropriate project management tools and techniques
• Report and escalate to management as needed
• Manage the relationship with the client and relevant stakeholders
• Meet with clients to take detailed ordering briefs and clarify specific requirements of each project
• Track project performance, specifically to analyse the successful completion of short and long-term goals
• Meet budgetary objectives and make adjustments to project constraints based on financial analysis
• Develop comprehensive project plans to be shared with clients as well as other staff members including warehouse, sales team, purchasing department and demand manager
• Use and continually develop leadership skills
• Create and deliver project work plans and revise as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements.
• Works closely with relevant stake holders to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the project(s).
• Managing post launch meeting analysing sales data, complaint and query received and further plan for launched products.
• Coordinate NPD-Sales meeting, chaired by buyers between sales/marketing and discuss new products, launch date and sales/promotional documents
• Ensure the samples for new products have been requested by the Sales Manager
• Ensure the relevant technical, photos, artworks are uploaded to NAV during product development process

To be successful in is role you will have:

A background in project management from within an FMCG manufacturing business

An excellent understanding the NPD cycle and the FMCG market place

A proven track record of successfully managing NPD projects with multiple disciplinary teams

A highly analytical mind and will be organised, meticulous and efficient

Knowledge of Microsoft Project or similar system and Excel

Strong interpersonal skills

Management and leadership skills

Apply online or for further information contact one of specialist consultants quoting reference number: NJR14770