Role: NPD Manager
Reports to: Head of Ops
Location: Hybrid (Gloucestershire Office & Remote)
Salary: £40k
About Freja
Freja is the UK’s leading bone broth brand, a category that sits between premium ingredients and functional food, with an ecommerce-first business model. Following 4 years of rapid growth and a recent investment round, we are refreshing our brand, and building a team to scale the business.
We’re a small internal team that punches above our weight. We operate a flat structure and a ‘get things done’ mentality. We all roll our sleeves up and execute.
About the Role
The NPD Manager will lead the development of new products (NPD) and manage existing product enhancements (EPD), guiding them from initial concept all the way through to launch. You’ll work cross-functionally with operations, marketing, customer service, and other departments to ensure that projects are completed efficiently, meet our quality standards, and are launched successfully into the market.
You’ll own and manage the critical paths, ensuring everything stays on track across sourcing, compliance, testing, and post-launch reviews. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on collaboration, has a keen eye for detail, and enjoys managing complex projects.
Key Responsibilities
* New Product Development (NPD): Lead product development from concept to final approval, managing timelines, target costs, and supplier relationships.
* Critical Path Management: Own the overall project timelines, working closely with operations to ensure a smooth handover to the supply chain and on-time launch.
* Compliance & Regulatory Oversight: Ensure all products comply with technical and regulatory requirements, maintaining up-to-date certifications and specifications.
* Product Testing & Quality Assurance: Manage ongoing product testing schedules (nutrition, shelf life, claims) and ensure product quality standards are met consistently.
* Post-Launch Reviews: Oversee post-launch reviews and act on feedback to optimize products and address any issues.
* Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Customer Service to resolve any product complaints and communicate key updates.
* Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for improvement in our NPD processes and work to implement more efficient ways of working.
About You
We’re looking for someone with a proven track record in product development, especially in food or consumer goods. You’ll be a detail-oriented, strategic thinker who is comfortable managing multiple projects and cross-functional teams. You’ll be confident in leading the development of new products, ensuring that they meet our high standards for quality, compliance, and innovation.
To succeed in this role, you should have:
* At least 3-5 years of experience in a product development role, ideally within food, beverage, or health-related industries.
* Ability to manage complex projects and timelines, with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
* Knowledge of product testing, regulatory requirements, and the technicalities of bringing new products to market.
* A proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues before they become roadblocks.
* Experience working with teams from operations, quality control, customer service, and supply chain to launch products smoothly.
* A focus on delivering quality products while ensuring compliance with all standards.
* A genuine interest in health, nutrition, and functional foods, with an understanding of modern nutrition trends.
Benefits
We are committed to continuous improvements to our team benefits and ways of working
* The opportunity to play a key role in a growing challenger brand.
* Competitive salary
* All employees will have EMI share options, giving them the opportunity to participate in our success
* Remote-first role, 3-4 days per month in the office.
* Flexible working hours.
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
* The tech you need to get the job done.
* Allocated budget and time off for personal and professional training and development.
* Plenty of bone broth!
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