About the role
This role is to ensure we deliver best in class New Product Development (NPD), leading end-to-end projects, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to brand quality standards. The role manages and develops team members, drives cross-functional collaboration, and maintains strong stakeholder and supplier relationships to support successful project execution. Managing risk, timelines, budget, compliance, sustainability targets, Stage Gate adherence, testing, trialling, and documentation.
Job Responsibilities
Lead end-to-end NPD projects from opportunity identification to final delivery, ensuring delivery on time, on quality, and on budget.
Manage and develop the Packaging Technologist, including objectives, performance, workload allocation, and escalation support.
Build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships and work cross-functionally with Brand colleagues to support communication, collaboration, and project delivery.
Lead project kick-off and update meetings with key stakeholders to ensure alignment and progress throughout the NPD process.
Lead project governance across timelines, critical path activities, risk management, recovery planning, Stage Gate adherence, documentation, and KPI delivery.
Support supplier onboarding, tender processes, supplier selection, and pipeline planning in line with brand and business goals.
Provide input on feasibility, risks, ideas, innovations, technologies, supplier requirements, and project timings to support brand and market requirements.
Ensure projects meet sustainability targets, regulatory requirements, quality standards, and testing and trialling requirements, including bottling line performance.
Manage packaging development budgets and ensure accurate packaging data, item specifications, technical drawings, and associated documentation.
Maintain understanding of global supplier capabilities, emerging technologies, and innovation trends.
Identify improvement opportunities and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
Technical Skills Experience Required
Excellent PC Skills including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project
Experience in team leadership and line management
Experience in packaging development projects (understanding of challenges, risks, technical considerations)
Demonstrated ability to lead cross functional teams
Good understanding of manufacturing environments and packaging
Key Competencies
Professional & effective communicator at all levels across the business
Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Strong influencing, negotiating and stakeholder management skills
Flexible, self-motivated with ability to use own initiative and ‘can do’ attitude
Continuous improvement mindset
Strong time management skills and ability to organize and prioritize workload, for you and others
Apply by CV and cover letter.
