NPD Project Manager

A bit about us…

At Pure, we're passionate about transforming dogs' lives through better nutrition. Born from a friendship between two dog-loving friends and a shared vision, we've grown into something truly special - a UK-based company that's leading the pack in healthy, tailored dog nutrition.

We're not just another pet food company – we put paws and people first with dogs and their owners driving our decisions. We craft healthy, perfectly portioned meals that delight dogs and keep bowls sparkling clean. But what really makes us different is how we support our pet families every step of the way. Through expert advice and personalised communication, we're right there beside them on their journey of giving their four-legged family members the best possible life.

We're committed to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, included, and able to thrive. By celebrating diversity, promoting equity, and embracing new ideas, we aim to be Best in Show for our people as well as their pets. If you're passionate, curious, and want to be part of a team that's Ahead of the Pack, we'd love to hear from you.

NPD Project Manager

We are seeking an experienced
NPD Project Manager
to drive and oversee all physical product development projects, ranging from product improvements and range extensions to entirely new product launches. In this role, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (e.g. Nutrition, Customer Insights, Operations, Finance, Procurement, Technology) to ensure the seamless delivery of projects from idea conception through to launch. You will also have regular interaction with senior stakeholders, including one of our co-founders, and with the support of the Brand & Product Director, will be responsible for building and presenting business cases to the Performance Board.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership

• Manage the full lifecycle of NPD projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget, and high-quality delivery.
• Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and critical milestones to guide project execution.
• Provide status updates to stakeholders on project progress, risks, and mitigation strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with the Brand and Product Director to translate innovation goals and ideas into actionable projects.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including Nutrition, Insights, Operations, Technology, Finance, and Procurement to gather input, align objectives, and ensure each project meets product, quality, and financial targets.
• Coordinate the flow of information and feedback loops to ensure all stakeholders are informed and engaged as appropriate.

Stakeholder Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, communicating project progress, challenges and outcomes clearly and confidently.
• With the support of the Brand & Product Director, prepare and present business cases, including financial and market analysis, to the operations board and other stakeholders.
• Negotiate priorities and requirements when balancing commercial goals with operational constraints.

Process & Documentation

• Maintain comprehensive project documentation including scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and budgets.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying and implementing best practices for NPD project management.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, quality standards, and internal processes with the support of the Head of Compliance.
• Manage and develop a clear process for scaling test recipes from samples up to full scale manufacturing.

Risk Management

• Identify, analyse, and mitigate risks that could impact project timelines, budgets, or quality.
• Develop and implement contingency plans to maintain project momentum and ensure timely decision-making.

Innovation & Market Awareness

• Stay updated on industry trends, competitor products, and emerging technologies in the [food/pet food] sector.
• Recommend new approaches, processes, or products to keep the business at the forefront of innovation.

Qualifications & Experience

Experience

• Minimum of 3-4 years' experience as a Project Manager, ideally within the food or pet food industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing product development projects from concept to launch.

Technical & Professional Skills

• Proficient in project management tools and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid approaches).
• Demonstrated ability to build compelling business cases, including cost analysis and ROI calculations.
• Familiarity with relevant regulations and quality standards within the food/pet food sector.
• Experience taking a product from idea all the way through to full scale manufacture, ideally in the food space.

Key Competencies

• Collaboration & Communication
  : Exceptional interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders; adept at leading meetings and presenting complex information clearly.
• Organisational Skills
  : Strong attention to detail, capable of juggling multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Analytical Thinking
  : Ability to critically evaluate market data, financial implications, and operational constraints to drive sound decision-making.
• Influencing & Negotiation
  : Skilled at aligning diverse interests to ensure projects remain on track and deliver maximum value.
• Strategic Mindset
  : A forward-looking perspective to anticipate challenges and proactively shape project approaches that align with business objectives.