NPD Project Manager

Our NPD Project Manager will 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 SLT.

Duties and responsibilities of the role are:

 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.

About you…

You’ll embody our values within your role in the following ways:

• Paws & People First - Collaboration & Communication - Approaches every project with kindness, loyalty, and humility—just like the pets at the heart of Pure’s mission. Designs with empathy for both customers and colleagues, ensuring that creative output reflects care for pets and people alike. Whether delivering packaging or campaign work, keeps compassion and collaboration at the core.
• Ahead of the Pack - Organisational Skills / Analytical Thinking - Operates to the highest design standards, sharing ideas and feedback openly while listening actively to others’ perspectives. Communicates with clarity, candour, and empathy across the creative and brand teams. Ensures every design decision is purposeful and contributes to Pure’s position in the pet food industry.
• New Tricks - Influencing & Negotiation - Brings curiosity, agility, and a willingness to explore new tools, formats, and techniques to keep the brand fresh. Responds courageously to challenges, adapts quickly, and delivers high-quality work on time. Consistently turns creative ambition into executed results.
• Best in Show - Strategic Mindset Combines creativity with data-driven insight to produce designs that are both engaging and effective. Maintains excellence across all brand touchpoints—from packaging and print to campaigns and digital assets. Works with tenacity to ensure every piece of work supports Pure’s mission, vision, and commitment to quality.

It’s essential that you:

• 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.

At Pure Pet Food, our promises put Paws & People First. 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.

What's in it for you?

• A competitive salary.
• Contracted to 38.75 hours per week.
• Enrolment within our discretionary business performance 10% annual bonus plan (following successful probation).
• Hybrid working – 3 days on site at our brand-new bespoke office in Leeds (Radius building, One City West).
• 33 days holiday (including Bank Holidays). Our full 12-month entitlement.
• Free Pure dog food for your dog.
• Small business with a family feel! Especially within the Brand & Product Team.
• Salary Exchange Company Pension.
• Team social events and the opportunity to support local charities.
• Free on-site Parking.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Bring your dog into work.
• EV SS Car Scheme.