Project Manager – Product Development | Consumer Goods | NPD

12-month fixed-term contract

Location: Christchurch

Working pattern: Hybrid – 1–2 days per week in the office after the initial settling-in period

Travel: London approximately 1–2 times per month, with occasional travel to suppliers and manufacturers

About the Company

Join a growing consumer goods business supplying bespoke and own-label products to major retailers across the UK and internationally.

The business operates across fast-moving product categories, with a strong focus on new product development, innovation and bringing products to market.

You'll work in a collaborative, global environment alongside teams across product, buying, technical, design and supply chain, as well as international suppliers and manufacturing partners.

About the Role

We're looking for a Project Manager – Product Development to manage new product development (NPD) projects from concept through to finished product.

You'll own project critical paths, timelines, milestones and deliverables, identifying risks and coordinating activity across internal teams, suppliers, manufacturers and retail customers.

This is an 18-month fixed-term contract and an excellent opportunity for an experienced Project Manager or Product Manager to take ownership of exciting product development projects and see them through to completion.

You'll also support customer presentations and provide clear project updates to internal stakeholders and retail customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full product lifecycle for new product development and product upgrades, from concept through to finished goods
• Own project critical paths, milestones, deadlines and deliverables
• Provide regular project updates to internal teams and retail customers
• Manage multiple projects, SKUs and product categories simultaneously
• Identify risks, resolve issues and keep projects on track
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturing partners
• Coordinate across product, buying, technical, design and supply chain teams
• Manage retailer-facing projects and communicate project progress effectively
• Support category plans and product development calendars
• Use market and consumer trends to inform product development
• Support the creation of engaging customer presentations
• Chair internal meetings and supplier calls when required

About You

We're looking for an organised, commercially minded and solutions-focused Project Manager or Product Manager with experience in consumer goods, FMCG, retail, product development, manufacturing, buying or sourcing.

You'll ideally have:

• Proven experience managing critical paths
• Experience working with product suppliers and manufacturers
• Experience managing product development or NPD projects
• Strong organisation skills and attention to detail
• Confidence chairing internal meetings and supplier calls
• The ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities
• A proactive approach with the confidence to take initiative
• A genuine enthusiasm for products, innovation and new product development
• A commercial mindset and practical approach to problem solving
• The ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams

We're looking for someone with an energetic, can-do attitude who enjoys working at pace, gets excited about new product ideas and is comfortable finding solutions when challenges arise.

Why Join?

• Work on innovative consumer products supplied to major retailers
• See your projects through from concept to finished products on shelf
• Take ownership of your own NPD projects
• Gain exposure across product, buying, technical, design and supply chain
• Work closely with international suppliers and manufacturing partners
• Have the opportunity to contribute ideas and influence product development
• Join a collaborative and fast-paced team

Benefits

• Annual company bonus
• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays
• Ability to purchase additional holiday
• Medical cash plan and mental health support
• Flexible hybrid working
• Generous company sick pay
• Pension scheme
• Annual social events
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free parking on Christchurch Quay

Apply now to join an innovative consumer goods business and take ownership of exciting product development projects from concept through to completion.

If you're interested in this Project Manager – Product Development opportunity within the FMCG/consumer goods sector, please apply now. Alternatively, for more information, please contact Laura, who has worked with the client for over 8 years and can provide further insight into the business and the role.