Title:  New Product Development Specialist

We’re JTI, Japan Tobacco International, and we believe in freedom. 

 
We think that the possibilities are limitless when you’re free to choose. We’ve spent the last 20 years innovating and creating new and better products for our consumers to choose from. It’s how we’ve grown to be present in 130 countries, and how we’ve grown from 40 to 4,000+ employees in the Philippines since 2009.
 

But our business isn’t just business, our business is our people. Their talent. Their potential. We believe that when they’re free to be themselves, to grow, travel and develop, amazing things can happen for our business. That’s why our employees, from around the world, choose to be a part of JTI. It’s why 9 out of 10 would recommend us to a friend, and why we’ve been recognized as INVESTORS IN PEOPLE in the Philippines

It’s the perfect moment for you to #JoinTheIdea. We’re opening our Global Business Service center in the heart of BGC Manila and looking for more than 300 bright minds to join a global multinational with an exciting start-up vibe.

This role advertisement will remain open until filled.

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

As an NPD Specialist, you will be in-charge of planning and management of NPD projects following to the company policy, annual plan (A&SP) and requirements of the markets, considering global & local legal regulations with the aim to ensure advancement of JTI product in the market. You will be working very closely with market stakeholders, and will be primarily responsible for managing NPD projects for the assigned market with regard to packaging, product changes, new formats, Variable Manufacturing Cost changes/One Time Cost budget planning, Limited Edition Pack and New Product Development introductions. In addition, you serve as the contact person for R&D, Global Supply Chain and Marketing & Sales ensuring all product and packaging initiatives are executed with excellence, including both on time and within budget, prioritizing brands and / or projects where necessary.

What will you do?

• Execution of NPD projects related to product and/or packaging changes within PLM system.
• Projects coordination in collaboration with the different stakeholders at all sourcing locations.
• Tracking of the projects and providing projects' status to Line Manager and Market.
• Preparation of preliminary info required for Project initiation including packaging briefs, market simulations, creative designs, coordination of bar-code assignment process from Market side, etc.
• Organize and lead project kick-off meetings 
• Track information on lead-times for different steps of the process: coordination of layouts development & approval process within DAM (artwork), SKU readiness, tooling availability, NTMs (non tobacco materials) delivery and other project related questions.

• Manage the end to end NPD process ensuring timely execution of all projects.

• Track project timelines against plan and ensure that key stakeholders including NPD & Commercial Strategy Mgr and Marketing Lead are aware of any delays and issues. NPD meetings organization and coordination: preparation and alignment of agenda, presentation, minutes, facilitation of the discussion, follow-up of the agreed action points. 

• Track and ensure updates to NPD related data - Product Specifications file, Bar-codes, Blends and NTMs cost, etc.

• Manage MyJTI workflow on time and with quality for all the related services requests.

• Take responsibility for PLM-related questions and provide support to the markets assigned with PLM related issues; deliver system and/or process updates to involved users; communicate with PLM Governance Team on system / process related questions.  

• Provide needed support within artworks development process: coordinate production design development according to JTI Design Guide and Markets requirements; track layouts development and revision in accordance to Market requests; support Brand Groups with Market simulations / visuals preparation.

• Conduct follow-throughs with relevant stakeholders during Barrel Proofs, Color matchings and Quality Releases.

• Take part in the ASP portfolio collection process by supporting and providing related activities to the assigned markets.

Who are we looking for?

• Bachelor / University Degree in Management, Statistics or Engineering.
• Must have business & marketing background                                           
• 3 years minimum experience in FMCG in New Product Development (NPD), Marketing or project management roles, with proven track record in cross-functional projects
• In-depth understanding of overall JTI NPD (New product development) process and PLM system is essential.
• Extensive experience and knowledge of packaging and product development
• Must have advanced MS Office experience and proficient in SAP PLM and other similar systems                                            
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal                                            
• Good interpersonal and project management skills; ability to handle multiple projects and providing NPD advice   

What's in it for you?

• Work in a brand-new office located in BGC McKinley West
• Be covered with medical insurance upon hiring, with dependent coverage and medicine allowance
• Receive cash allowances such as meal and transport allowance
• Flexible working arrangements
• Have access to over 200 company training
• Be part of a truly international and diverse company with over 40,000 employees in 130 countries.
• Experience the culture of an Investors in People certified company
• Find out why 9 out of 10 employees recommend us to a friend.
• Understand why 9 out of 10 employees say they feel free to be themselves

What are the next steps?

Thank you very much for applying! We will make sure to provide feedback on your application within the next two weeks.