NPD & Innovations Lead (FMCG)

Location: Trafford Park Factory, Manchester, United Kingdom; on-site

Company

LIPTON Teas & Infusions is a global tea business with brands including Lipton, Pukka, Tazo, T2, Lyons and PG Tips.

What you will do

• Lead the integrated site NPD, EPD, renovation and packaging-change plan from feasibility through launch and handover to Operations.
• Coordinate project reviews, stage-gate evidence, factory trials, first production, post-launch performance, risks, costs and decisions.
• Manage product, raw-material and packaging specifications, technical records, validation evidence and change control.
• Lead packaging implementation, trial protocols, acceptance criteria, sampling, line readiness, process verification and corrective actions.
• Ensure SAP material data, BOMs, routings and production versions match approved specifications, while controlling waste, obsolescence and technical transitions.
• Lead investigations, supplier technical issues, non-conformances, CAPA, audits, risk assessments and technical improvement projects.

Requirements

• Proven independent delivery of NPD, EPD or packaging projects through factory trials and launch within food, beverage or regulated FMCG manufacturing.
• Strong technical Quality foundation covering food safety, HACCP, specifications, allergens, labelling, packaging compliance and change control.
• Practical packaging and manufacturing knowledge, including material performance, artwork changes, supplier interfaces and factory-scale troubleshooting.
• Strong communication, influencing, commercial awareness and organisation skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and collaborate with Marketing, R&I, suppliers and factory leadership.
• Experience with ERP and BOM controls, ideally SAP, plus data analysis, technical reporting and structured root-cause investigation.
• Degree, HNC or HND in Food Science, Food Technology, Packaging, Manufacturing or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

Nice to have

• HACCP, auditing or project-management qualifications.
• Experience with tea, herbal infusions, organic products, high-volume packing or export markets.

Culture & Benefits

• Hands-on ownership of NPD, EPD and packaging projects from factory feasibility through launch.
• Cross-functional work with Marketing, Commercial, R&I, Operations, Procurement and external suppliers.
• High visibility across the Trafford Park site and influence over technical and launch decisions.
• Varied work combining innovation, packaging, Quality and manufacturing, with opportunities to build technical expertise and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Permanent, full-time position with a values-led focus on people, ownership, excellence and consumer and customer centricity.

Hiring process

• The process usually includes 2–3 stages, depending on the seniority of the role.
• CVs are targeted for review within two weeks.