Title:  New Product Development Specialist

We are JTI, Japan Tobacco International, and we are present in 130 countries. We have spent years innovating, creating new and better products for the consumers to choose from. This is our business. But not only. Our business is our people. Their talent. Their potential. We believe that when they are free to be themselves, and they are given the opportunity to grow, travel and develop, amazing things can happen.

That’s why our employees, from around the world, choose to be a part of JTI. It is why 80% of employees feel happy working at JTI. And why we’ve been awarded Global Top Employer status, ten years running. 

So when you’re ready to choose a career you’ll love, in a company you’ll love, feel free to #JoinTheIdea. 

Learn more: jti.com

Department: New Product Development

Location:New Product Development Center Process Manager (CPM)

Role: Permanent

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. I 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 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.