NPD Manager (Own Label Portfolio)

Faithful to Nature is a market leader in natural product retail, committed to ensuring that the products we consume dont harm us, our planet, and our communities. We offer a curated selection of health, food, body & beauty, and lifestyle products across our fast-growing online and retail channels.

We are part of Silvertree Brands, a purpose-driven group including UCOOK, SKOON., and Pet Heaven.

Role Overview

The NPD (New Product Development) Manager will lead the end-to-end development of Faithful to Nature’s own label product portfolio, from concept and feasibility through to manufacturing, launch, and post-launch evaluation. This role is central in building a scalable, commercially successful, and operationally smooth NPD pipeline.

You will oversee the NPD team, establish a structured project governance framework, collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders, and ensure products meet quality, compliance, sustainability, and profitability targets.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Launch Management

Lead and manage the NPD team to deliver projects in line with business priorities.

Own and drive the product lifecycle from ideation through to launch and review.

Develop and implement a robust product launch framework with clear governance and accountability.

Coordinate with marketing, commercial, supply chain, operations, finance and quality teams to ensure seamless execution.

Maintain timelines and budgets, managing risks and mitigation plans proactively.

Feasibility & Viability Assessment

Evaluate commercial, technical, and operational feasibility of new product concepts.

Conduct margin analysis, costings, and demand forecasts to ensure commercial viability.

Build business cases for senior management approval.

Supplier & Manufacturing Management

Assess existing suppliers and manufacturers to identify optimisation opportunities.

Support new sourcing where required to enhance quality, innovation, or cost efficiencies.

Build strong supplier relationships ensuring performance, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Drive manufacturing process optimisation to support cost, efficiency, and sustainability goals.

Innovation & Process Improvement

Stay ahead of market trends, competitor launches, and consumer insights.

Continuously refine NPD processes to embed best practices.

Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and ownership.

Ad Hoc Support

Contribute to broader business priorities and cross-functional projects as required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

On-time, in-full delivery of NPD projects.

Achievement of budgeted margins and cost targets.

Consistent utilisation of a structured launch framework.

Supplier performance improvements (cost, quality, lead time, compliance).

Successful delivery of commercially viable products aligned to consumer needs.

Experience & Skills Required

Degree in product development, project management, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Proven track record managing cross-functional NPD projects from concept to launch.

Strong understanding of manufacturing and supplier management (FMCG/retail preferred).

Solid commercial acumen with experience in costings, pricing, and viability assessments.

Excellent project management and organisational skills with ability to manage multiple complex projects.

Leadership experience with ability to develop and motivate a team.

Strong communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.

Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements is an advantage.

Success Traits

Accountability: Fully owns outcomes and delivery.

Collaboration: Builds strong relationships across teams and suppliers.

Initiative: Identifies opportunities and drives improvement.

Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment.

Communication: Clear, proactive, and transparent communication.

Engagement: Present, reliable, and committed to team and business goals.