NPD Associate - Brand Hatchers
About Brand Hatchers
Brand Hatchers owns, develops, launches, and grows consumer brands across a global online and retail distribution network. Our core brands include:
* Brain Blasterz – the leading sour candy brand in Europe and the Middle East.
* Guitar Lab – a guitar accessories gifting brand.
* Nurture by Nature – a personal care gifting brand.
With an international presence in 36+ countries, Brand Hatchers has seen rapid growth. In 2023, we were recognized as the Fastest Growing International Firm at the Wales Fast Growth 50 Awards and have been named one of Wales’ fastest-growing companies for two consecutive years (2023 & 2024).
Role Overview
Reporting to the NPD Manager, the NPD Associate supports product innovation from concept to launch. Responsibilities include managing the artwork process, coordinating with suppliers, ensuring regulatory compliance, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. This position requires a detail-oriented, creative thinker with strong project management skills and a passion for bringing new ideas to life.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Artwork Process: Manage the Artwork Briefing and approval process for all product related artworks. Work closely with the NPD Manager to ensure full compliance to product specifications, ingredients and packaging regulations. Provide clear and detailed product briefs to the Design Team following the relevant Brand Guidelines. Collaborate with the Creative Team, Marketing and external Suppliers to ensure Artwork is delivered on time. Keep artwork files up to date within a centralised location and take ownership of any artwork revisions.
2. Concept Development: Assist in conceptualising and developing innovative product ideas based on market trends, customer insights, and business objectives. Filter into the Innovation Pipeline and contribute to the long-term product plans by identifying emerging industry trends and potential areas of expansion.
3. Supplier Relations: Work closely with international suppliers on a daily basis, from ideation of a product, specifications, trials and sampling, artworks and final sign off.
4. Project Coordination: Support cross-functional teams, wider Supply Chain Team, Marketing and Sales, to drive the successful execution of new product launches.
5. Product Testing & Evaluation: Work with NPD Manager, internal teams and external partners to organize product testing, gather feedback, and refine product formulations or designs.
6. Regulatory Compliance: Assist in ensuring new products meet industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies.
7. Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed records of product development processes, testing results, and project updates for internal reporting and decision-making.
Experience & Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science, Chemistry or a related field. Or 1-3 years of experience in product development, project management, or a related field within FMCG, beauty or consumer goods.
* Knowledge and understanding of product development processes from concept to commercialization.
* Experience with supplier/vendor management and working with cross-functional teams.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and project management tools.
* Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements related to product development within the Food and/or Personal Care industry is advantageous.
Candidate Attributes:
* Passionate about innovation and staying ahead of industry trends.
* Highly organized with strong project management skills and attention to detail.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach.
* Confident at building relationships with internal cross-functional team members and external suppliers.
* Excellent communication skills and collaboration abilities to work effectively across departments.
* Calm under pressure with the ability to make decisions in a tight time frame.
* Creative thinker who enjoys bringing new ideas to life.
What We Offer:
* 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
* Holiday purchase scheme
* Health Cash Plan
* Birthday Lunch
* Monthly Wellness Hour
* Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
* Hybrid home/office based. 3 office days/week.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £33,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Enhanced maternity leave
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Life insurance
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