Senior NPD & Stage Gate Manager

Company: Veetee Group
Apply for the Senior NPD & Stage Gate Manager
Location: Rochester
Job Description:

Veetee is an entrepreneurial, fast-growing family business and one of the UK’s leading rice brands, with operations in the UK, Europe and the USA. This role offers the opportunity to work across a broad range of strategic and operational projects, making a visible impact on the future growth ad success of the business.

Job Purpose:

This role is responsible for leading and managing Veetee’s Stage Gate and NPD governance process across UK and Export markets for both branded and own-label products.

The Senior NPD & Stage Gate Manager will ensure all product and product-related changed are managed through a robust but practical process, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, with appropriate technical due diligence, governance and cross-functional alignment.

The role will oversee projects including new product launches, packaging changes, procurement-led changes, process improvements and specification updates, ensuring clear ownership, project visibility and successful delivery from concept through to launch and post-launch review.

Responsibilities:

Stage Gate

  • Lead and manage the company Stage Gate process from ideation through to launch and post-launch review
  • Ensure all projects follow the correct governance and approval process
  • Maintain and improve Stage Gate documentation, manage master data, templates and workflows
  • Introduce clear and practical decision-making processes based on project complexity and risk
  • Ensure all gate sign-offs and project documentation are completed and audit-ready

Project Management

  • Oversee the full pipeline of projects impacting finished products across UK and Export markets
  • Manage multiple cross-functional projects simultaneously, ensuing timelines and objectives are achieved
  • Develop and maintain project plans, critical paths and Gantt charts
  • Coordinate project activities across Technical, Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Commercial and Marketing teams
  • Identify risks, issues or delays and proactively drive solutions

We’re Looking For:

  • Previous experience within manufacturing, project management, NPD or Stage Gate governance roles
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management capability
  • Good knowledge of technical, operational and supply chain processes within food manufacturing
  • Able to independently lead key company projects in emerging markets (USA & EU)
  • Good understanding of critical paths and project documentation
  • Ability to manage changing priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining an organised and detailed approach
  • Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to influence across teams

Benefits:

  • Cycle to work scheme
  • EV Scheme
  • Healthcare & Cash Back Plan
  • Long Service Awards
  • Refer-a-Friend Scheme
  • Pension & Life Assurance
  • Product Perks

Working Hours:

Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:30

Posted: May 23rd, 2026