New Product Development Manager (Strictly No Agencies)

Parkside Flexibles is looking for an ambitious and commercially focused NPD Manager to lead our New Product Development function and drive the next generation of packaging innovation.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced NPD professional to play a key role in shaping our innovation strategy, identifying new revenue opportunities, and delivering commercially viable packaging solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers and markets.

Working closely with commercial, technical and external partners, you will lead innovation from concept through to commercialisation while ensuring that Parkside remains at the forefront of packaging technology and market trends.

As NPD Manager, you will:

• Lead and develop Parkside's NPD team, providing direction, support and project prioritisation.
• Create and maintain a robust innovation pipeline that drives business growth and differentiation.
• Identify and evaluate new commercial opportunities aligned with Parkside's core capabilities.
• Develop and implement an NPD strategy that supports the wider sales and business objectives.
• Research emerging materials, technologies, coatings, adhesives and print processes to support future growth.
• Monitor global packaging trends, consumer behaviours and competitor activity to identify new opportunities.
• Manage product development projects from concept through to commercial launch.
• Work closely with technical, commercial and operational teams to ensure ideas are both technically feasible and commercially viable.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with customers, suppliers, universities, research organisations and industry partners.
• Protect intellectual property and ensure all innovation activities comply with legal, technical and regulatory requirements.

We are seeking an innovative and commercially minded individual who combines technical expertise with strong leadership skills.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Packaging Technology or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Demonstrable success delivering NPD projects from concept through to commercialisation.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Experience identifying, evaluating and implementing innovation opportunities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to identify opportunities that drive business growth.
• Experience within the packaging, print or wider manufacturing sector.

This is an opportunity to lead innovation within a growing and forward-thinking business where your ideas will directly influence future products, technology development and commercial success.

If you are passionate about packaging innovation, emerging technologies and developing market-leading solutions, we'd love to hear from you.