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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 within the food industry required.
- Other info: Must be a car driver; office not accessible by public transport.
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 DOE + Competitive benefits package including private healthcare
Location: 10 minutes from Romford / East London / 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 have previous experience within food / consumables industry
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.
Innovation and NPD Manager employer: Pursuit Executive Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Pursuit Executive Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation and NPD Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food innovation and NPD. Being able to discuss current market developments and how they relate to the role will show your passion and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food industry, especially those involved in product development. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous NPD projects. Highlight your role in managing timelines, overcoming challenges, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to demonstrate your project management skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s existing product range and think about potential new products or improvements you could suggest. This proactive approach can impress interviewers and show your commitment to their innovation strategy.
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation and NPD Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in project management and NPD within the food industry. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in recipe development, cost engineering, and managing projects through the stage gate process.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food innovation and outlines how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the role. Mention your ability to work with cross-functional teams and your understanding of market trends.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field, make sure to mention it prominently. Also, include any certifications or training in project management tools that could set you apart from other candidates.
Include Location Details: Since the job requires a car driver due to the office location, ensure you mention your location clearly in your CV. This will help avoid delays in processing your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pursuit Executive Recruitment Ltd
✨Showcase Your NPD Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience in new product development, especially within the food or consumables industry. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've managed, focusing on your role in recipe development, trials, and post-launch evaluations.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Since this role requires strong project management skills, come ready to discuss your approach to managing timelines, risks, and stakeholder communication. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you successfully navigated the stage gate process.
✨Understand the Company’s Innovation Strategy
Research the company’s current innovation strategy and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their goals. This shows that you are genuinely interested in the role and understand the company's direction.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This position involves working with various internal teams and external partners. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated across different functions, such as marketing, supply chain, and technical teams, to drive successful product launches.
