Senior NPD Manager (FMCG)

This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape the future of beloved brands by driving strategic innovation and renovation projects from concept through to market launch. The position provides an inspiring platform for you to influence business growth, enhance portfolio competitiveness, and maintain brand relevance in a dynamic marketplace.

What you'll do:

As Senior New Product Development Manager based in Kuala Lumpur, you will play an instrumental role in steering end-to-end innovation projects that define the future of household brands. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve orchestrating the entire lifecycle of new products—from identifying white spaces in the market through research-driven insights to collaborating with R&D on formulation details. You will translate these insights into actionable concepts that resonate with consumers while balancing commercial viability. By managing complex project timelines across multiple stakeholders—including regulatory bodies and supply chain partners—you will ensure every launch is executed flawlessly. Your ability to develop persuasive business cases will underpin successful go-to-market strategies. Post-launch analysis will allow you to refine processes further for ongoing excellence. Success in this role means consistently delivering consumer-centric innovations that strengthen brand equity while fostering a culture of teamwork and shared achievement.

• Lead the creation and implementation of the new product development roadmap, ensuring alignment with overall brand and business strategies.
• Identify market gaps, emerging trends, and unmet consumer needs by leveraging research and actionable insights to inform innovation priorities.
• Oversee the entire product development pipeline including ideation, feasibility studies, formulation with R&D or ODM/OEM partners, packaging design, pricing strategies, testing protocols, and commercialisation plans.
• Translate consumer insights into compelling product concepts that deliver clear benefits and competitive differentiation in the marketplace.
• Develop robust business cases for new launches, including volume forecasts, revenue projections, and profit analysis to support decision-making.
• Serve as project lead for all NPD initiatives, ensuring timely progress through each stage of development while maintaining quality standards.
• Facilitate effective cross-functional collaboration with local and international teams in R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Procurement, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Sales to drive seamless project execution.
• Conduct risk assessments proactively; troubleshoot development or supply chain challenges to keep projects on track regarding timelines and budgets.
• Support go-to-market planning by developing product positioning strategies, launch materials, claims substantiation documents, and promotional plans in partnership with Brand Marketing and Trade teams.
• Monitor post-launch performance metrics; conduct learning reviews to identify areas for continuous improvement and share best practices across teams.

What you bring:

To excel as Senior New Product Development Manager you will bring extensive experience from the FMCG or consumer products industry where you have successfully managed end-to-end product lifecycles. Your academic background equips you with analytical rigour while your hands-on expertise ensures practical application of innovative thinking. You are adept at navigating complex stakeholder environments—building consensus among cross-functional teams both locally and internationally. Your communication skills enable you to craft compelling narratives around new products that inspire internal buy-in as well as consumer excitement. Commercial awareness allows you to make informed decisions balancing profitability with customer satisfaction. You thrive when interpreting market data into actionable recommendations that drive category growth. Above all else your collaborative spirit fosters trust among colleagues making you a dependable partner throughout every phase of project delivery.

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in Marketing, Business Administration, Science or a related field is essential; postgraduate qualifications such as an MBA are advantageous.
• At least eight years’ proven experience in product development, innovation management or brand management within FMCG or consumer products sectors is required.
• Demonstrated success leading multiple product launches or renovation initiatives from initial concept through to market introduction.
• Strong background in marketing execution including product communication strategies and go-to-market planning activities.
• Experience working collaboratively with multifunctional teams across different disciplines while managing complex project timelines effectively.
• Expertise in innovation methodologies such as stage-gate processes coupled with excellent storytelling abilities for product claims development.
• Solid commercial acumen enabling you to balance consumer needs against cost structures and operational feasibility constraints.
• Exceptional organisational skills with proficiency in prioritising tasks under tight deadlines while remaining resourceful and proactive within team settings.
• Ability to interpret market data using syndicated sources like Nielsen or Kantar is highly desirable but not mandatory.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office applications—especially Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for impactful presentations.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as a trusted leader within the FMCG landscape thanks to its unwavering commitment to quality innovation and sustainable business practices. Employees benefit from being part of an inclusive workplace culture where knowledge sharing is encouraged at every level—enabling personal growth alongside company success. The company’s dedication to professional development means you’ll have access to ongoing training opportunities designed to enhance your skill set while keeping pace with industry trends. Flexible working arrangements support work-life balance so you can perform at your best both professionally and personally. With exposure to regional markets there are ample opportunities for career progression within a supportive network that values your contributions. Join a team where your passion for innovation is matched by genuine care for employee wellbeing diversity inclusion and long-term career fulfilment.

What's next:

If you are ready to take your career in new product development to the next level we invite you to apply now for this exciting opportunity!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided—your journey towards shaping tomorrow’s leading brands starts here.

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Agensi Pekerjaan Robert Walters Sdn Bhd
Business Registration Number : 729828-T
Licence Number : JTKSM 423C