Senior New Product Development Manager
17 hours ago
Leeds
Are you an experienced project manager with a proven track record in NPD? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments, where you’re trusted to deliver multiple complex projects with real autonomy? Do you enjoy leading projects from concept through to launch, ensuring deadlines are hit, costs are controlled, and quality is never compromised? Are you ready to mentor and guide others, sharing your expertise while continuing to grow your own career? Then look no further - this could be the role for you! We’re working with a well-known personal care brand, recognised for delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer experiences. With a turnover of £1 million and ambitious plans for international expansion over the next five years, they are a true powerhouse in their sector. What really sets them apart is their people. The team is collaborative, close-knit and genuinely enjoy working together. You’ll be joining under a manager who is highly respected, having been promoted multiple times within the business. They have a proven track record of building successful teams, championing progression, and giving people the opportunity to shine. If you’re looking for a company where you’ll be supported, developed and able to build a long-term career, this is the place. The Role As Senior Product Development Manager, you’ll take the lead on steering the most challenging and strategically important projects from concept to launch. You’ll be trusted with greater autonomy, managing multiple and more complex projects while acting as a mentor to others. This isn’t a lab-based role – it’s about overseeing the entire process, coordinating with international partners, ensuring smooth delivery, and guiding your direct report to achieve their best work. Key responsibilities include: • Leading multiple NPD projects from concept through to launch, with accountability for delivery on time, within budget and to specification., • Managing more complex, higher-value, or strategically important projects with minimal oversight., • Line-managing and mentoring at least one direct report (with the potential for more as the team grows), ensuring their development and the quality of their output., • Acting as the central point of communication, keeping stakeholders updated on progress, risks, and changes., • Building business cases for new products using consumer, market, and business insights., • Working closely with international manufacturers and suppliers (Turkey, US, China) to keep projects moving., • Partnering cross-functionally with Commercial, Finance, Regulatory, Quality, Operations, and Packaging teams., • Supporting product validation, compliance, and approval processes., • Negotiating with suppliers on costs and specifications to ensure commercial viability. What We’re Looking For We’re looking for someone who combines strong organisational skills with commercial awareness, and who can bring people along with them. You’ll be confident leading projects independently, mentoring others, and keeping momentum even when challenges arise. Skills and experience: • Significant experience managing projects end-to-end, ideally in regulated sectors (cosmetics, medical devices, FMCG, or similar)., • Previous line management experience (formal or informal), with a passion for coaching and developing others., • Excellent organisational skills, able to juggle multiple complex projects simultaneously., • Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence and adapt across teams, cultures, and seniority levels., • Analytical mindset, confident interpreting data and using insights to guide decisions., • Commercial awareness, understanding of P&L, COGs, GP and how they influence decision-making., • A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with genuine enthusiasm for developing new products., • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). If this sounds like the next step you’re ready for, apply today and take your career to the next level!