NPI Project Manager Role Overview: This role is responsible for the end-to-end technical delivery of new and revised products, from initial brief through development, trials, qualification, and first production.
The Technical NPI Project Manager acts as the technical owner for each NPI project, ensuring products are designed, tested, validated, and launched to the required quality, performance, and manufacturing standards.
They will work closely with the Packaging Technologist, Product Technologist, NPI Manager, Commercial, Marketing, Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Regulatory teams.
Role Deliverables: Own all technical aspects of NPI projects from concept to launch.
Translate commercial briefs into technical requirements, specifications, timelines, and deliverables.
Ensure product and pack design are technically feasible and manufacturable.
Lead technical decision-making for packaging formats and materials.
Provide expertise in corrugated substrates and flexible films.
Partner with Packaging Technologist to ensure specifications are robust and validated.
Collaborate with Product Technologist on development trials.
Develop and maintain technical project plans including risk and dependency management.
Coordinate cross-functional technical inputs.
Support supplier and material qualification.
Lead technical discussions with packaging suppliers.
Plan and coordinate technical trials and scale-up.
Analyse trial data and define next steps.
Support first production readiness and right-first-time launch.
Lead technical elements of value engineering and sustainability enhancements.
Capture and document learnings post-launch.
Experience and Qualifications: Degree in Engineering, Packaging Science, Materials Science, Food Science, or a related technical field.
5 years experience in technical NPI, packaging development, or product development in FMCG or manufacturing.
Strong technical knowledge of corrugated substrates and flexible film packaging.
Experience with manufacturing environments and process validation.
Understanding of quality systems and change control.
Experience collaborating with external suppliers.
SAP experience desirable.