Supply Chain Lead - New Product Introduction

Key tasks

• Lead and coordinate supply chain activities for new product introductions (NPI), ensuring accurate, complete, and timely implementation plans, including risk mitigation and stock projections.
• Contribute to the European NPI roadmap and masterplan, prioritizing activities and aligning implementation with Castrol’s business strategy and cross-functional requirements.
• Manage NPI supply chain projects, ODIMS initiatives, tenders, and product changes, ensuring timely data collection, project coordination, and continuous process improvement.
• Lead product phase-in and phase-out activities, maintaining product interchangeability in SAP and other digital tools, and coordinating with planning teams to optimize supply chain processes.
• Oversee BOM governance, accuracy, and compliance, identifying data-related risks and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
• Coordinate BOM readiness for NPI and compliance projects, working with Plant Chemists, Operations, Scheduling, and Product Line Management teams to manage formulation changes and resolve issues.
• Collaborate with marketing, technology, planning, and regional business stakeholders across multiple sites and geographies to ensure effective communication and cross-functional alignment.
• Monitor demand, inventory, and implementation performance; provide relevant reporting and Supply Review (ESR) inputs; and recommend actions to improve key performance indicators.
• Use data analysis and digital tools to improve the quality, efficiency, and robustness of NPI, BOM, and product lifecycle management processes.
• Lead, develop, and support team members through coaching, performance management, regular feedback, and workload prioritization, fostering an open, inclusive, and collaborative team environment

Experience required

• A master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
• Strong experience in new product introduction, product lifecycle management, and end-to-end supply chain processes, including extensive knowledge of product planning.
• Proven project management experience within supply chain or manufacturing, particularly involving new product implementations, source changes, and cross-functional projects.
• Expert knowledge of SAP, Kinaxis, and other relevant digital tools, combined with advanced Excel skills and experience using business reporting and analytical tools.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including developing and supporting teams, managing performance, and conducting employee performance reviews.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and influence colleagues at all organizational levels and across different business functions.
• Good understanding of business operations, marketing, sales, strategy, and finance, together with BP HSSE&C principles and a commitment to continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and teamwork.

Castrol is one of the world’s leading lubricant brands, serving customers and consumers in the automotive, marine, industrial and energy sectors. Castrol brands are recognised globally for their premium quality and high performance, shaped by the company’s commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology. With products sold in more than 150 countries, Castrol has helped keep things moving on roads and racetracks, air, sea, and space for over 125 years.

Whether you're just starting out or ready for your next big move, you're in the right place to explore an exciting career with Castrol.

About the team

You’ll play a key role in coordinating supply chain activities within Castrol’s New Product Introduction (NPI) process, supporting the successful implementation of product launches and portfolio changes. Working closely with marketing, technology, planning, manufacturing, and regional business teams, you’ll contribute to the European NPI roadmap and masterplan, ensuring alignment with Castrol’s strategy. You’ll also oversee Bill of Materials (BOM) governance and readiness, ensuring accurate product data and smooth implementation of new or changed formulations. Alongside your operational responsibilities, you’ll lead and support your team, helping drive performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement.