NPD Project Manager

Kao; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consumer goods company in Greater London seeks a Project Manager to oversee New Product Development and Existing Development projects. The ideal candidate will lead cross-functional teams, ensuring projects meet quality standards and timelines. Required qualifications include 2-3 years in the Beauty industry or FMCG and a Project Management certificate. An opportunity to work in a company recognized for its ethical practices and commitment to quality is provided.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years in the Beauty industry or FMCG.
• Project Management certificate - Prince 2 or PMP preferred.
• Experience managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams through each project phase.
• Ensure clear communication on project status to stakeholders.
• Manage and communicate risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Clarify and define project scope continuously.
• Identify and promote process improvements.

Skills

Experience in the Beauty industry or FMCG

Project Management certificate - Prince 2 or PMP preferred

Experience using Teams

Experience using MS Project

Experience using MS Word

Experience using MS Excel

Experience using MS Powerpoint

Managing multiple projects in a fast-paced business

Job description

Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people's lives with our high quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all - a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment.

As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values we pride ourselves to be listed among the World's Most Ethical Companies since 19 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do - acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation and treating each other with trust and respect.

Overview

We are a Kao business unit focused on delivering high-quality products and services to customers and consumers, guided by the Kao Way and a commitment to ethical practices and environmental care.

Responsibilities

The role:

This role is responsible for leading the end-to-end delivery of New Product Development and Existing Development projects, ensuring they are delivered to agreed scope, timelines, quality standards, and commercial objectives. Acting as the central point of accountability, the role brings together cross-functional teams and external partners to drive momentum, manage risk, and resolve issues, while maintaining clear governance and stakeholder alignment. Through strong leadership, structured project management, and proactive decision-making, this role ensures projects are executed efficiently and continuously improved to support the business.

What you will do:

• Lead cross functional teams, including external partners, through each phase of the projects to ensure projects remain on track to achieve cost, time and quality.
• Ensuring clear communication on project status to stakeholders. Challenging where necessary.
• Pro-actively manage and communicate risks and issues throughout the project lifecycle and escalate via appropriate channels with clear business impact
• Clarifying and continuing to define project scope throughout the project.
• Identifying, implementing and promoting process improvements. Identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.

Qualifications

What you will need:

• 2- 3 years in the Beauty industry or FMCG
• Project Management certificate - Prince 2 or PMP preferred
• Experience using Teams, MS Project, MS Word, MS Excel and MS Powerpoint
• Experience of managing multiple projects in a fast paced business

How we work

Having been selected among the World's Most Ethical Companies for 19 consecutive years, we are a company with a purpose and strong corporate values. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. At Kao, each employee can actively shape their job and their career. We work collaboratively to achieve our common goals, always aiming to deliver the best for our customers.

Hiring Process

Kao embraces the diversity and the individual personalities of its people because we believe it is diversity that makes us strong. This is why we welcome applications from all areas of the global community.

Want to learn more

Want to learn more: If you feel you are as unique as our products and want to find out why 33,000 people across the globe opted for a career with us please visit https://www.kao.com/emea/en/