**FUNCTIONS:
** Product Development Manager
The New Product Development organization works across Europe, Asia, and Oceania to develop the next generation of products for our client and its customers. The NPD team collaborates closely with regional and manufacturing sites to develop technologies, products, and materials. You will be responsible for designing and developing new packaging solutions to meet global and regional customer needs, trends, markets, and legislative requirements. You will manage all stakeholders and oversee projects with customers, technology, or material providers.
**Responsibilities:
**
- Develop and deploy key products and technologies for Foodservice EAO (Europe, Asia, Oceania).
- Manage the Dairy project portfolio and pipeline within a specific FMCG product category.
- Handle briefing and internal management of new customer requests.
- Coordinate with technology and material providers and manage the project ecosystem.
- Lead all stages of product development projects, including technical risk management and timeline adherence.
- Build and monitor project plans to ensure progress with all involved parties.
- Manage internal and external stakeholders for the Dairy category and projects pipeline.
- Protect client concepts through patents and intellectual property rights.
- Identify and develop product development opportunities to increase profitable sales growth.
- Support group initiatives beyond customer requests.
- Coordinate projects across global sites within the FMCG category.
- Collaborate with other NPD Managers for knowledge and technology sharing.
- Organize and assist with tests and production trials of minimum viable or final products.
- Coordinate creation of technical drawings with customers and suppliers.
- Lead organization and team coordination to generate new product ideas and concepts.
- Own the creation of technical and commercial specifications.
- Support NPD capability building plans.
**Qualifications:
**
- Master’s Degree in packaging or a technical (engineering) discipline.
- 5+ years of experience and proven expertise in FMCG packaging development and project management.
- Experience in product development and project management in an international environment, preferably in FMCG packaging.
- Dairy experience is highly desirable due to specific production, quality, and product requirements.
- Proficient in English;
additional languages are a plus.
- Working knowledge of fiber/paper and plastic materials.
- Working knowledge of packaging converting and manufacturing technologies (e.G., dry molding, plastic injection, thermoforming).
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects.
- Ability to establish and manage project portfolios and pipelines.
- Proven track record of maintaining good customer and supplier relationships.
- Strong team player with resourcefulness and accountability.
- Willingness to travel regionally (20-30%).
- Enthusiastic, entrepreneurial, resilient, versatile, persistent, customer-focused, and results-oriented.
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