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