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- Tasks: Lead exciting new food product launches from concept to market.
- Company: Join a leading food brand committed to innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, free lunches, and a competitive benefits package.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving food innovation with a strong culture.
- Qualifications: 4-5 years in NPD project management; degree in Food Science preferred.
- Other info: Must be a car driver; hybrid work model available.
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 DOE + Competitive benefits package including private healthcare
Location: 10 minutes from Romford - Must be a car driver
Full time, Hybrid Work pattern: 3 days per week in the office, 2 days working from home or at 3rd party supplier. Must be a car driver to access the office due to the location.
Exciting Opportunity with Leading Food Brand
The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of new product launches, from exploration to market introduction. You will work with key stakeholders across all business functions to ensure projects are delivered on time, to cost, and meeting high quality standards. You will take full accountability for end-to-end project management - optimising timelines, identifying and communicating risks, and managing through the stage gate process.
Key Responsibilities- Support the Innovation Lead in executing our client's innovation strategy
- Lead end-to-end NPD, including recipe development, costing, trials, and post-launch reviews
- Develop and manage project timelines for major innovation and range extension projects
- Work with internal teams (Marketing, Category, Supply Chain, Technical, Sales, Finance) and external partners (manufacturers, agencies) to ensure smooth execution
- Drive decision-making and risk management through the stage gate process
- Oversee recipe formulation, product development, and collaboration with UK & EU manufacturing teams
- Identify and mitigate risks while ensuring regulatory and market requirements are met
- Manage consumer research activities, competitor analysis, and market trends
- Facilitate multi-functional project meetings and ensure stakeholder alignment
- 4-5 years in project management, specifically NPD in branded retail food (ambient, chilled, or convenience meals)
- Strong project management skills from ideation to post-launch evaluation
- Experience in recipe development, cost engineering, and factory trials
- Knowledge of supply chain, operations, and cross-functional dependencies
- Agile mindset, strong communication skills, and attention to detail
- Experience managing projects through stage gate processes and working with 3rd party suppliers
- Proficiency in project management tools is a plus
- Degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field preferred
Our client is committed to building a culturally diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation. They are also dedicated to maintaining a strong quality and food safety culture to support their brand reputation.
If you are passionate about food innovation and have the experience to drive new product development from concept to shelf, we would love to hear from you.
Company Benefits:- Holidays: 25 days (increasing to 28 days with service).
- Additional Leave: Up to 10 extra days for long service milestones.
- Pension: Group personal pension with 4% company contribution.
- Life Cover: 3 x salary paid to your nominated beneficiary.
- Maternity Pay: Occupational maternity pay plus SMP.
- Accident Cover: Disability compensation payment.
- Health & Wellbeing: BUPA & BUPA cash plan (individual or family).
- Recognition: Employee Star Award.
- Lunches & Drinks: Free lunch every day (valued at £700) + free drinks.
- Social: Heavily subsidised sports & social events + annual company BBQ.
- Annual Flu Vaccination: Provided for all employees.
- Car Driver Required: The office is not accessible via public transport; therefore, a valid driving license and access to a car is essential.
- Location Disclosure: Please mention your location in your CV. Applications without location details may experience delays in processing.
- Eligibility: Only applicants with UK residency and full visa status will be considered. Applications from those outside of the UK will not be shortlisted. If you plan to relocate, please mention this in your CV or cover letter.
New Product Development Manager - Food & Beverage employer: Pursuit Executive Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Pursuit Executive Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development Manager - Food & Beverage
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food innovation and product development. Being able to discuss current market trends and how they relate to the role will show your passion and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food and beverage industry, especially those involved in new product development. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to make connections that could help you learn more about the role and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your project management experience, particularly in NPD. Be ready to explain how you've successfully managed timelines, risks, and stakeholder communications in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Since the role requires collaboration with various teams, practice articulating your communication style and how you ensure alignment among different stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment.
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Manager - Food & Beverage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in new product development, particularly in the food and beverage sector. Emphasise your project management skills and any specific achievements related to recipe development and market launches.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food innovation and detail how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the role. Mention your experience with cross-functional teams and your ability to manage projects through the stage gate process.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your project management skills, especially those related to NPD, cost engineering, and risk management. Use specific examples to demonstrate your proficiency in these areas, as they are crucial for this position.
Include Location Details: Since the job requires a car driver due to the office location, make sure to mention your location in your CV. This will help avoid any delays in processing your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pursuit Executive Recruitment Ltd
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing new product development projects. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led a project from ideation to post-launch evaluation, focusing on how you optimised timelines and managed risks.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of the Food Industry
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the food and beverage sector, especially related to innovation and consumer preferences. Being able to discuss recent developments or successful product launches will show your passion and understanding of the market.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration Questions
Since the role involves working with various internal teams and external partners, be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated across different functions. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to ensure project success.
✨Highlight Your Agile Mindset
The job requires an agile approach to project management. Be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to changes during a project and how you maintain flexibility while ensuring that quality standards are met.
