NPD Associate Project Manager

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #175221 - Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specialising in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

The NPD Associate Project Manager is responsible for the end-to-end management of product innovation projects, from initial concept to market launch for ANZ market. You will serve as the strategic bridge between market aspiration and supply chain excellence, ensuring every product concept is realised through timely launch, uncompromising quality, and optimized cost-efficiency.

Please note: This is a one year contract role.

Responsibilities 

• Project Leadership: Leading  innovation projects by coordinating inputs across all stakeholders, delivering projects within designated time and cost parameters, and escalating risks proactively. Requires managing multiple projects simultaneously, focusing on granular execution details, and evaluating cross-functional dependencies and their impact on timelines.

• Timeline Management: Driving end-to-end timeline tracking and management using project management software (such as Smartsheet).

• Commercial & Operational Inputs: Establishing pipeline volumes, ongoing demand, COGs, and MOQs.

• Miscellaneous Execution: Managing co-packing activities, air freight assessments, and key Gateway process inputs.

• Portfolio Simplification: Monitoring SKU counts and leading simplification/rationalization initiatives for assigned categories.

Required Competencies & Soft Skills

• Managing Ambiguity & Agility: Demonstrating agility as project parameters evolve while maintaining focus on key deliverables.

• Problem Solving & Mindset: Exhibiting a strong continuous improvement approach with structured problem-solving abilities.

• Project Management Skillset: Standardised project management experience, including applied knowledge of tools, systems, and governance processes.

• AI: Demonstrates strong working knowledge and ability to integrate AI-driven workflows to automate reporting, optimise sourcing strategies, and improve overall supply chain efficiency 

• Culture: The role emphasises a culture of agility, growth, innovation, and collaboration within a global organisation

Educational & Functional Background

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a related field.

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in innovation/project management, ideally within FMCG, healthcare or other manufacturing industries

• Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple projects, demonstrate creative problem-solving, and influence cross-functional teams.

• Supply Chain Understanding: Practical knowledge of supply chain operations and an understanding of global supply networks.

• Software Competency: Working knowledge of MS Project/Smartsheet (or equivalent software).

What We Offer:

• Exposure to global innovation strategies and diverse business models.

• A collaborative culture that values agility, experimentation, and personal growth.

• Support for hybrid work arrangements with regular attendance in the Sydney office.

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Our Commitment to Inclusion
Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives  to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

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