NPD Project Manager

Job Introduction

This Edison, New Jersey based role works to project manage the end-to-end delivery of new product introductions within North America (USA and Mexico), by leading cross-functional core teams though a defined Global Gate Process, and by ensuring final product is delivered to correct standards of quality, on-time, and within budget. 

Main Responsibility

The typical day in this position includes, but is not limited to:  

• Leading cross-functional project teams through the Global Gate Process to ensure successful delivery of development projects to agreed standards and targets
• Developing technical readiness test plans, material/component specifications, and trialing to ensure packaging components meet required standards and that all new products are qualified within manufacturing and fit for handover to operations 
• Leading cross-functional project teams through identification and resolution of overall project risks to ensure successful project execution
• Collaborating with design agencies and brand teams to guide project development outcomes 
• Contributing to overall areas of NPD continuous improvement 

Our Ideal Candidate

Our Ideal Candidate can readily apply knowledge, standard methodologies, personality, and clear and adaptable communication and organization to guide teams, lend project credibility, influence, gain support and overall buy-in. They are a pragmatic problem solver, comfortable with change, able to work both independently and with globally spread cross-functional teams and suppliers. They are able to flex style, technique, and approach to operate on a manufacturing floor, within an office environment, or virtually as required.

More specifically, this role also requires the following skills and qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in a related field preferred
• Proven history of related NPD/PM experience within a FMCG/packing environment; experience working within a brand related packaging change environment highly preferred
• Experience with packaging materials such as cardboard, labels, meal closures, and glass bottles
• Sound working knowledge of packaging print processes, packaging and material componentry, including functionality and performance requirements  
• Comfortable working across multiple time-zones and with colleagues and suppliers based in Mexico; as such bilingual abilities (verbal and written) English/Spanish are strongly preferred

Key things to note about this role:

• This position focuses on supporting packaging requirements (there is no focus on recipe formulation, raw ingredients, or lab bases stability testing).

• This position is eligible for hybrid working under the company’s hybrid working policy which requires presence on-site/in-office 3 days a week.

• This position is based in Edison, New Jersey but requires travel to the company’s New York office on average 2 – 4 times a month; additional travel to the company’s Mexico facility, UK headquarters, and 3^rd party partners may also required from time-to-time.

• This role is not eligible for relocation assistance. No agencies please.

What we can offer you

• We offer a competitive salary and benefits which are designed to promote our employees financial wellbeing. Employees are also eligible to participate in a bonus plan.
• Our employees enjoy a generous vacation entitlement.
• Comprehensive Private Healthcare that includes Medical, Dental & Vision
• Our employees can join our 401(k) savings plan. The company matches employees’ contribution up to 5%, in addition to a Discretionary Contribution.
• Our Employee Assistance Programme offers practical, impartial support on everyday matters ranging from medical, financial and legal to home and family issues. 
• Our Life and AD&D cover is a multiple of three times your annual basic salary.
• Product allowance so that you can enjoy our fantastic portfolio of brands with your family and friends.
• Every employee has the opportunity to claim funding each year for a charity or charities for which they have raised money, volunteered their time or personally donated.
• Learning resources to help you be your best self.

About William Grant & Sons

A HOME FOR RARE CHARACTERS

William Grant & Sons: a home where Rare Characters thrive.

We value every employee for their rare character, distinctive skills, experience and perspectives. Every one of our colleagues has a role to play in helping us to achieve our growth ambitions.

At William Grant & Sons, our vision is to be A home where rare characters thrive. We value all colleagues for their rare character, distinctive skills, experience and perspectives. Diversity & Inclusion is at the heart of how we do things at William Grant & Sons, fully aligned to our purpose and our company values. We strive to create an environment where we can all be our best and bring our whole selves to work.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community. We’re proud to provide equal opportunity to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, family medical history or genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

OUR AGILE WORKING PHILOSOPHY

Our agile working philosophy is to “Have your best work day everyday”.
Built on trust, we empower our rare characters to have their best work day every day. Where flexibility and positive working experiences help employees to feel connected and release potential across our teams.
We are open to discussing possible agile/flexible working options as part of the recruitment process.

INCLUSIVE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Diversity & Inclusion is at the heart of how we do things at William Grant & Sons, fully aligned to our purpose and our company values. We want to ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive. If you have any questions or need some support with your application we’d love to hear from you. So please get in touch with our HR team at recruitment.enquiries@wgrant.com.