New Product Development (NPD) Manager - FMCG

New Product Development (NPD) Manager - FMCG

About the Role

We are looking for a dynamic and entrepreneurial New Product Development (NPD) Manager to lead the creation of innovative, market-winning products from concept to commercialization. This role is ideal for someone who understands consumer behaviour, spots trends before they become mainstream, and has the execution ability to turn ideas into successful FMCG products. This is not R&D profile.

The ideal candidate comes from a strong FMCG background with experience in product innovation, formulation coordination, packaging development, vendor collaboration, and cross-functional project management.

This is not just a product role - it is an opportunity to shape the future of a fast-growing consumer brand.

Key Responsibilities

Product Innovation & Development

Drive end-to-end new product development from ideation to launch. Identify emerging market trends, consumer insights, and whitespace opportunities. Develop innovative product concepts aligned with brand vision and business goals. Work closely with R&D, sourcing, packaging, marketing, and manufacturing teams to bring products to market efficiently.

Market & Consumer Understanding

Conduct market research, competitor benchmarking, and trend analysis. Translate consumer needs into commercially viable products. Stay updated on global FMCG, wellness, Ayurvedic, personal care, food, and lifestyle trends.

Cross-Functional Leadership

Coordinate across departments to ensure timelines, costing, quality, and launch readiness are achieved. Manage product launch calendars and ensure smooth commercialization. Collaborate with marketing teams on positioning, claims, packaging communication, and go-to-market strategy.

Vendor & Manufacturing Coordination

Work with third-party manufacturers, suppliers, and packaging vendors. Ensure product quality, compliance, and scalability. Support costing optimization without compromising product integrity.

Packaging & Brand Experience

Lead packaging innovation with a strong understanding of shelf appeal and consumer psychology. Ensure packaging aligns with premium brand positioning and retail visibility.

Performance & Growth

Monitor product performance post-launch and recommend improvements. Build a pipeline of future-ready products that drive business growth.

What We're Looking For

Experience

5-10 years of experience in FMCG product development. Experience in categories such as: Food & Beverage Ayurvedic / Herbal Products Personal Care Wellness / Nutrition Consumer Goods

Skills & Competencies

Strong understanding of FMCG consumer behaviour and product trends. Proven track record of launching successful products in the market. Strong project management and execution capabilities.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Commercially driven with creative thinking ability. Strong eye for packaging, branding, and consumer appeal.

Ability to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Preferred

MBA / PGDM preferred. Experience working with D2C brands is an advantage. Exposure to modern trade, e-commerce, and digital-first product launches is a plus.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

Launching innovative, commercially successful products consistently. Creating products consumers genuinely love and repurchase. Building a strong innovation pipeline that keeps the brand ahead of the market. Bringing speed, creativity, and operational excellence into product development.

Why Join Us

Opportunity to build products with real market impact. High ownership and entrepreneurial freedom. Work closely with leadership in shaping the next phase of growth. Fast-moving environment where ideas turn into reality quickly. Chance to create category-defining FMCG products for modern Indian consumers.

Position Details

Role: New Product Development (NPD) ManagerIndustry: FMCG / Consumer GoodsDepartment: Product Innovation & DevelopmentReporting To: Leadership Team / Business HeadLocation: Kolkata