New Product Development Manager - Tea (PG Tips, Pukka)

New Product Development Manager - Tea (PG Tips, Pukka)

Location: London (Hybrid)

Role Overview:
Reporting to the Destination Portfolio Manager for Tea this Product Manager role will play a key role in delivering innovation projects across our iconic tea brands for the UK: PG Tips, Lipton and Pukka. You will take full ownership of UK specific projects from start to finish, including concept development, project delivery through a gate process with the support of a project manager (‘the activity manager’) partnering with key functions across brand marketing, supply chain, procurement, regulatory, R&I, finance and commercial. In addition, you will be accountable for creating design briefs, writing product copy, initiating the artwork and claims process as well as business case development and alignment.

This role is perfect for someone with 3+ years of product management experience who is ready to step up and lead projects independently. You’ll work unsupervised on assigned projects, ensuring timely and high-quality execution while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• End-to-End Project Delivery: Own and manage innovation projects from concept through to launch, including eFlow and artwork processes.
• Project Management: In partnership with the activity manager develop timelines, manage budgets, and ensure all milestones are met on time and to standard.
• Gate Process Management: Complete and maintain all Innovation Gate documentation accurately and on schedule.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Marketing, and Procurement to ensure smooth delivery.
• Consumer & Market Insight Application: Use data and insights to inform project decisions and ensure relevance to consumer needs.
• Commercial & Strategic Leadership: Work closely with finance, marketing, and commercial teams to build robust business cases for innovation, leveraging consumer insights and financial analysis to justify investments and project deliverables.
• Performance Tracking: Monitor post-launch performance and provide feedback for continuous improvement.

Experience Required:

• Essential:
• At least 3+ years of experience in an innovation or product development role within the FMCG or food & beverage sector, with a proven track record of leading cross-functional projects and delivering impactful product innovations.
• Project delivery experience, with the ability to lead initiatives from concept to delivery.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in building business cases, managing budgets, and ensuring the financial success of innovation projects.
• Experience in cross-functional collaboration, working with teams across Supply Chain, R&I, Finance, and Marketing to drive the delivery of innovation initiatives.
• Experience of the NPD process and experience with Innovation Gate documentation.
• Strong understanding of category data (e.g. Nielsen, Kantar) is a must.
• Desirable:
• Experience working within the Tea or Beverage sector, with an understanding of PG Tips, Lipton, and Pukka brands.
• Proficiency in white space identification and opportunity mapping, with an ability to translate market gaps into viable product concepts.

Skills & Attributes:

• Self-starter with ability to work unsupervised.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Commercial awareness and analytical thinking.
• Creative problem solver with a results-driven mindset.
• Creative and curious thinker who enjoys turning data into ideas
• Strong attention to detail
• Able to travel occasionally, mostly within the UK

What We Offer:

• An exciting opportunity to shape and drive innovation for three iconic UK brands in the tea category.
• A dynamic, collaborative environment, with exposure to both local and global teams.
• Competitive salary, benefits package, and career development opportunities within a leading global organisation committed to innovation and growth.

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is an organization committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. We are interested in every individual bringing their whole self to work and this includes you!