Project Manager

Are you an ambitious Project Manager (New Product Development or Existing Product Development centric) and looking for a fresh challenge within a fast-growing soft drinks business?

If you hold at least 3 years' experience in NPD project management, product development or supply chain roles within a recognised food or drink manufacturer, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

As the Project and Co-pack Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in bringing exciting new products and product improvements to market across the soft drink category in the UK and international market. Reporting to the Head of NPD, you will lead end-to-end project delivery, working cross-functionally with Brand Marketing, Sales, Technical, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams to ensure successful launches that meet quality, timing, and commercial objectives. You will be leading projects from day one with full ownership of branded NPD and EPD, own label, and co-pack critical paths and Stage-Gate process, as well as managing external Co-Pack relationships.

To be successful in this role, we are looking for an experienced project/NPD manager who can embrace working in a fast-paced environment, embraces change, and is a collaborative member of a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage NPD and EPD projects from approved concept to launch, delivering on time and within budget.
• Establish an NPD review programme after launch as part of Stage Gate 5 to review the project and whether it delivered against the commercial targets.
• Chair brand and operations meetings every week, ensuring key actions are documented and followed through, coordinating cross-functional inputs so each team delivers in line with the agreed critical path.
• Responsible for the coordination of our artwork approval process, including liaising with brand, NPD, and technical teams as well as external artwork houses to generate & approve packaging copy.
• Building a wide knowledge of supplier capabilities and manufacturing methods to optimise the uniqueness of products.
• Being trend aware, keeping up to date with the marketplace & packaging innovations.
• Translating brand product strategies, annual plans, and product concepts into finished product – considering packaging types (glass, caps, labels) and packaging efficiencies wherever possible.
• Work closely with our clients' suppliers to understand their processes, capabilities, and assets, utilising them and suggesting improvements where appropriate.
• Maintain an effective NPD process, including gate documentation, artwork reviews, stakeholder engagement, and regular team updates.
• Provide clear, consistent communication throughout each project.
• Manage detailed project budgets and provide monthly re-forecasts.
• Ensure sample creation, trial support, and technical preparation are delegated effectively to meet project milestones.
• Sharing best practice through project team working & managing multiple projects at any time.
• Manage Co-pack relationships. Be the point of contact for our client, engaging with the relevant internal stakeholders where necessary, with clear communication to all relevant parties.