NPD Manager
Location: West London (Hybrid)
Salary: 48k-50k (bonus)
33 days annual leave, including public holidays and your birthday day off too!
Free skincare products
Company discount for yourself, friends and family
Wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme and private healthcare (BUPA)
Contributory pension scheme & Life insurance
We are working with a premium skincare brand that is seeking an experienced NPD Manager to lead the development and delivery of innovative products across multiple sales channels, including retail, e-commerce, and international markets. This role will manage the full product lifecycle from concept through to launch, working closely with internal teams and global suppliers to bring new ideas to market efficiently and at scale.
Key Responsibilities
* Identify product opportunities by analysing consumer trends, market gaps, and competitive activity in collaboration with marketing and commercial teams.
* Lead the end-to-end NPD process, including concept development, design, formulation, packaging, testing, and production readiness.
* Manage project timelines and critical paths to ensure new products are delivered on time and within budget.
* Work with finance to build cost models and ensure margin targets are achieved.
* Oversee regulatory compliance, product testing, technical documentation, and claim validation for relevant markets.
* Source, onboard, and manage suppliers across the UK and international markets, negotiating costs and maintaining quality standards.
* Manage product specifications, quality assurance processes, defect resolution, and ongoing performance monitoring.
* Support product launches by coordinating samples, internal approvals, and go-to-market requirements with sales and marketing teams.
* Produce regular reporting on project status, risks, and pipeline performance, including stage-gate reviews and market intelligence.
Requirements
* Minimum 4+ years’ experience in product development within beauty, personal care, cosmetics, or a related consumer goods category.
* Strong understanding of product formulation, packaging, regulatory requirements, and technical compliance.
* Experience managing suppliers and manufacturers, including international sourcing (Asia experience beneficial).
* Proven ability to manage multiple projects and critical paths in a fast-paced environment.
* Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong capability with product costings and data analysis.
* Experience working cross-functionally with marketing, sales, supply chain, and finance teams.
* Knowledge of global product requirements and market considerations (UK/EU experience preferred).
* Additional European language skills are advantageous.