NPD Project Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

The primary objective of the NPD Project Manager position at Wedgewood is to own the effective running of the NPD division. All NPD objectives and key results (OKR's or KPI's) are owned by the job role. This includes ensuring the effective completion of all New Packaging Projects, New Product Development, and the management of the NPD Budget. This role entails collaborating closely with various teams, guiding, and ensuring that there is a smooth execution of projects from inception to launch/completion, contributing to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of Wedgewood's Marketing Department.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead NPD Projects, ensuring projects are executed efficiently from inception to launch/completion within established timelines.
• Work alongside the different teams across Wedgewood to ensure the smooth execution of all project stage gates.
• Own the NPD budget and ensure the division maximises its return on money spent.
• Own the effective administration of the NPD management system in line with FSSC 22000 certification.
• Provide guidance to team members on project specific resources.
• Develop and manage strong relationships with external suppliers, ensuring alignment with Wedgewood's objectives and standards.

JOB FUNCTIONS:

NEW PPRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & PACKAING PROJECT MANAGEMENT:

• Take ownership of assigned NPD and packaging projects, ensuring accountability, timely execution, and adherence to budget constraints.
• Manage NPD and packaging projects, from concept to production, including coordinating quotations, printing timelines, and supplier-held assets while optimising costs.
• Coordinate new product developments and packaging projects with the relevant internal parties such as the Food technologist, Procurement, Marketing, Food Safety and Health, Production and R&D.
• Ensure that all projects aligned with the overall Wedgewood strategy.
• Own the effective administration of the NPD management system.
• Own the monitoring of the NPD processes and stage gates ensuring strategic timelines and deadline dates are met.
• Communicate project progress and updates clearly to all stakeholders, ensuring transparency.
• Oversee commercial costings for new projects by preparing, monitoring, and adjusting costs where needed alongside the cost accountant.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to maintain alignment and drive successful outcomes.
• Support graphics with packaging/product related updates and ensure smooth implementation of design changes.

COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

INTERNAL:

• Receive NPD projects from the Marketing EXCO.
• Receive support directly from the Marketing Manager and report directly to the Marketing Manager.
• Working cross functionally with colleagues, achieving a team focus to develop new products and packing.
• Sales Team – supports sales new product development projects and activities.
• Marketing – to lead key NPD and packaging projects and assist with the management of outsourced marketing contractors as part of the marketing team.
• Work with finance to ensure budgets are met.

EXTERNAL:

• 3rd Party – must be able to extract fair value from/ through our agencies and affiliated partners to drive projects.
• Suppliers – develop great relationships with old and new suppliers.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• Any degree / diploma that can reflect studies supportive of project management skills.
• Globally recognised PMP, PMI or Project Management certification preferable.
• 5 - 7 years' experience in New Product Development and packaging and print production.
• Preferable experience in high end FMCG products.
• Understanding of current FMCG or confectionary food market trends.
• Supply chain awareness, understanding the process and identifying/targeting opportunities that would be advantageous.
• Proven budgeting track record.
• Working knowledge in MS Office, particularly Excel.
• Driver's licence and ability to travel within South Africa.

SOFT SKILLS:

• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Time management.
• Good communication skills and interpersonal skills capable of maintaining strong relationships both verbally and on paper.
• An eye for detail.

If this sounds like you, please send your CV to