Head of New Product Development (NPD)

<p></p><p><strong>Head of New Product Development (NPD)</strong></p><p><strong>Location:</strong><span> </span>HQ, Swansea<br><strong>Department:</strong><span> </span>Innovation / Product Development<br><strong>Reporting to:</strong><span> </span>Supply Chain Director</p><p><span><strong>Role Overview</strong></span></p><p>The Head of New Product Development will lead the company’s innovation strategy and product pipeline, overseeing the development and launch of new products across spirits, RTDs, and future beverage formats.</p><p>This role is responsible for managing the end-to-end innovation process, from concept generation and market insight through to factory trials, commercial launch, and post-launch performance.</p><p>The successful candidate will work cross-functionally with marketing/brand, supply chain, legal, finance and commercial teams to ensure new products are delivered at pace, at the right cost, and aligned with brand strategy.</p><p>This is a hands-on leadership role within a fast-growing drinks brand, requiring a combination of creativity, operational knowledge, and strong project management.</p><p><span><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></span></p><p><strong>Innovation Strategy</strong></p><ul><li><p>Define and lead the company’s innovation roadmap and NPD pipeline.</p></li><li><p>Identify opportunities for new flavours, limited editions, product formats, and packaging innovations.</p></li><li><p>Translate brand and commercial strategy into a structured innovation pipeline.</p></li><li><p>Monitor consumer trends, emerging ingredients, and competitor activity within the spirits and RTD markets.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Product Development</strong></p><ul><li><p>Lead the end-to-end development of new products, from concept through to commercial launch.</p></li><li><p>Oversee formulation, flavour development, packaging innovation, and product trials.</p></li><li><p>Manage the transition from development to production, ensuring smooth scale-up with manufacturing partners.</p></li><li><p>Ensure products meet quality, regulatory, and brand standards.</p></li></ul><p><strong>NPD Pipeline &amp; Project Management</strong></p><ul><li><p>Manage a structured stage-gate innovation process from concept to launch.</p></li><li><p>Maintain clear project timelines, milestones, and deliverables across multiple NPD projects.</p></li><li><p>Coordinate factory trials, packaging approvals, and production readiness.</p></li><li><p>Ensure NPD projects are delivered on time and aligned with launch plans.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Cross-Functional Leadership</strong></p><ul><li><p>Work closely with Marketing/Brand to translate creative ideas into viable products.</p></li><li><p>Partner with Supply Chain to ensure production feasibility and launch readiness.</p></li><li><p>Collaborate with Supply Chain to source ingredients, packaging, and new suppliers.</p></li><li><p>Support the Commercial team with product knowledge, innovation presentations, and customer discussions.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Costing &amp; Commercial Viability</strong></p><ul><li><p>Ensure all new products are developed in line with target cost of goods and margin expectations.</p></li><li><p>Work with supply chain and finance to validate product costings.</p></li><li><p>Identify opportunities to optimise product specifications and packaging costs.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Supplier &amp; Manufacturing Collaboration</strong></p><ul><li><p>Work closely with co-packers and production partners to develop and scale new products.</p></li><li><p>Lead factory trials and production readiness processes.</p></li><li><p>Ensure manufacturing partners meet required standards and timelines.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Team Leadership</strong></p><ul><li><p>Lead and develop the NPD team – currently 2 people</p></li><li><p>Ensure clear ownership of projects and accountability for delivery.</p></li><li><p>Support the professional development of team members.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Key Deliverables</strong></p><ul><li><p>Delivery of a structured innovation pipeline aligned with company growth strategy.</p></li><li><p>Successful launch of new products and formats into market.</p></li><li><p>Efficient NPD processes that enable rapid product development and launch.</p></li><li><p>Continuous innovation within flavours, formats, and packaging.</p></li></ul><p><span><strong>Skills &amp; Experience</strong></span></p><p><strong>Essential</strong></p><ul><li><p>Significant experience in New Product Development within FMCG, beverages, or spirits.</p></li><li><p>Proven experience managing product launches from concept through to production.</p></li><li><p>Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and working with co-packers.</p></li><li><p>Experience managing multiple NPD projects simultaneously.</p></li><li><p>Excellent project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.</p></li><li><p>Commercial awareness with strong understanding of product costing and margin requirements.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Desirable</strong></p><ul><li><p>Experience within spirits, RTDs, or alcoholic beverage categories.</p></li><li><p>Experience launching products in retail and on-trade markets.</p></li><li><p>Knowledge of regulatory requirements within the alcohol industry.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Personal Attributes</strong></p><ul><li><p>Creative thinker with a passion for innovation.</p></li><li><p>Highly organised with strong attention to detail.</p></li><li><p>Able to work at pace within a fast-growing brand.</p></li><li><p>Strong communicator and team leader.</p></li><li><p>Crisis Management Skills</p></li><li><p>Emotional Intelligence</p></li><li><p>Comfortable working in a fast-paced agile environment</p></li><li><p>Commercially minded with strong decision-making ability.</p></li></ul><div><hr></div><p style="text-align:center;"><span><strong>Why Join Au Vodka</strong></span></p><ul><li><p style="text-align:center;"><span>High-growth FMCG business with global ambition</span></p></li><li><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Opportunity to help build a billion-dollar brand</span></p></li><li><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Fast-paced, creative environment with real ownership</span></p></li><li><p style="text-align:center;"><span>No corporate red tape — your impact matters</span></p></li></ul><p style="text-align:center;"></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span><strong>What you’ll get:</strong></span></p><ul><li><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Early Finish Fridays 4pm</span></p></li><li><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Fresh lunches prepared daily by our in-house chef</span></p></li><li><p style="text-align:center;"><span>State-of-the-art office with onsite parking</span></p></li><li><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Companywide “win together” bonus scheme</span></p></li><li><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Your birthday off</span></p></li><li><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Epic launch parties and team events</span></p></li><li><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Enhanced maternity and paternity leave</span></p></li></ul><div><hr></div><p style="text-align:center;"><span>We move fast. We think big. We back our people.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>If you’re ready to help take a brand from Wales to the world,&nbsp;<strong>Au Vodka is the place to be.</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span><em>Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.&nbsp;</em></span></p>