New Product Introduction (NPI) Manager
Job Summary:
The New Product Introduction (NPI) Manager leads cross-functional projects from concept through commercial launch while owning and improving the processes that enable successful product commercialization.
This role drives alignment across R&D, Quality/Food Safety, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing, and Sales to ensure projects are executed efficiently and consistently.
The position also leads SOP development, process standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives to build a scalable, repeatable product launch model.
This is a high-visibility, hands-on role suited for a highly organized, process-driven individual who thrives in a fast-paced, high-project-volume environment.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Project Management, Supply Chain, or a related field required
5+ years of experience in product management, project management, or product commercialization
Experience in food manufacturing or CPG strongly preferred
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects
Experience with SOP development or process improvement initiatives preferred
Key Responsibilities:
Project Leadership
Lead end-to-end product launch projects from concept approval through plant trials, scale-up, validation, and launch
Manage multiple projects simultaneously across retail, industrial, and foodservice channels
Develop and maintain integrated project plans, including timelines, risk registers, budgets, and launch readiness criteria
Identify and resolve risks, bottlenecks, and dependencies
Drive stage-gate execution and ensure decision readiness at each milestone
Process Development & Manufacturing Readiness
Ensure new products are launched with documented, repeatable, and capable processes
Support identification of equipment needs, line modifications, or capital improvements required for new product launches
Own and maintain SOPs across the product launch lifecycle
Drive adoption and consistency of processes across teams
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the central point of contact across R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing, and Sales for assigned projects
Coordinate with Product Development on formulations, specifications, and customer expectations
Coordinate with Operations on production readiness, capacity planning, and scheduling
Coordinate with Supply Chain on raw materials, packaging, and supplier alignment
Coordinate with Quality to ensure compliance with food safety, allergen control, labeling, and validation requirements
Continuous Improvement
Embed continuous improvement principles into launch activities to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost performance
Identify opportunities to standardize and optimize processes across plants
Support post-launch reviews to assess performance and drive sustained improvements
Work Environment:
This role is based in a professional office setting with occasional travel (10-15%) to manufacturing facilities for plant trials and startups. During plant visits, occasional exposure to varying temperatures and typical manufacturing environment conditions should be expected.
Benefits:
Competitive base salary plus bonus eligibility, medical/dental/vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and career development support.