NPD Manager

Summary

Join PetLab Co, a leading DTC pet supplement company, as their NPD Manager. This permanent, UK-remote position (with occasional London office visits) requires managing complex product development projects from concept to launch. You will collaborate with co-manufacturing partners and internal teams, optimizing processes and ensuring timely, impactful product launches. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership, project management, and market analysis skills within the pet care or consumer goods industry. PetLab Co offers a fast-paced, data-driven environment with various benefits, including generous annual leave, performance-based bonuses, flexible working hours, professional development opportunities, and a comprehensive employee benefits package.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a managerial role within new product development, preferably in the pet care or consumer goods industry
• Strong project management skills with a track record of successfully launching products from concept to commercialization
• Understanding of ingredients, co-manufacturing partners, product and packaging, taking R&D briefs, and implementing NPD processes using Microsoft Project and Jira or similar tools
• Excellent leadership abilities, with the capacity to motivate teams, manage conflicts, and drive results in a dynamic environment
• In-depth knowledge of product lifecycle management, regulatory requirements, and quality assurance protocols
• Analytical mindset with proficiency in market research, trend analysis, and financial forecasting
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to influence and collaborate across departments and external partners
• A proactive, solutions-driven approach to overcoming challenges

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of complex projects
• Work closely with co-manufacturing partners and internal teams to bring new products to life
• Manage our NPD pipeline
• Optimize processes
• Ensure product launches are seamless, timely, and impactful
• Lead NPD projects from concept to commercialization
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure smooth execution

Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave - 28 days + public and bank holidays
• Bonus- based on performance and paid out April and October
• Flexible Working Hours – We focus on results and trust people to manage their time, whether working from home, while traveling, or in the office!
• Company Equipment – Laptop issued to you so you're all set from day 1
• Get Your Read On – We love to promote and encourage personal & professional development so we couldn't be happier to buy books of your choice via amazon or pay for audible subscription
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension Scheme – contributions towards your pension scheme!
• Enhanced Maternity / Paternity / Adoption Leave – because time with new family members is important!
• Puppy Therapy – working in partnership with Paws in Work to provide a boost of oxytocin every quarter
• Cycle2Work Scheme – Government initiative which offers a cost-effective way to buy new cycling equipment
• Discount Vouchers & Gym Memberships – get discounts at a whole range of retailers and gym memberships through our provider, Sodexo
• Free breakfast, fruits and snacks – refuel and revitalise with free munchies in the office
• Environment – dogs are welcome!