Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to develop and launch innovative food products while ensuring quality and safety standards.
- Company: Join a dynamic food company in Bala, North Wales, known for its commitment to quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, gym membership, free parking, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture where your ideas can shape the future of food products.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD within the food industry is essential; management experience preferred.
- Other info: This is a maternity cover role lasting 10 to 12 months, starting August 2025.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
Location: Bala, North Wales
Duration: Maternity cover for 10 to 12 months starting August 2025
Salary: £65K
Key Areas of Accountabilities:
- Managing a dedicated team to ensure the satisfaction of both customers and the company's own requirements.
- Collaborating extensively with customers and various departments, ensuring that the concept to launch process is implemented according to plan.
- Using root cause analysis techniques to troubleshoot and solve problems effectively.
- Comprehensive understanding of shelf-life result interpretation, customer code of practice, food legislation, and legal requirements.
- Managing a trial team to test and refine new product ideas, ensuring they meet quality and safety standards.
- Analysing recipe formulations and insights to ensure a smooth concept to launch process.
- Staying up-to-date with industry trends and technological advancements, bringing innovative solutions to the table.
- Providing feedback to key stakeholders regarding better practices and enhanced processing options.
Key Performance Indicators:
- Projects delivered to key date deadlines.
- Delivering agreed quality improvement plans on time.
- Managing and controlling budgeted spend and reporting.
The Person Profile:
- Excellent communication, organisation, and decision-making skills, with the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
- An active leader, with total involvement in the factory, possessing a motivational and inspirational approach.
- NPD background within a senior management role.
- Aware of retailer standards and their codes of practice, including knowledge of BRCGS V9 standard.
- Ability to work effectively on your own initiatives.
Skills and Experience – Essential:
- Experience within the food industry, ideally within bakery and manufacturing.
- Previous management experience within an NPD role.
- Proven track record of successfully scaling up food products from concept to production.
- Ideally Food Safety Level 4 or equivalent.
- TACCP/VACCP Training.
- Full knowledge of the latest BRCGS version.
- Knowledge of retailer systems and codes of practice.
- Accuracy, attention to detail, and a numerate approach to provide data on time in the right format.
- Proactive and finds solutions to problems.
- Confident, articulate, and courteous communicator over the phone, face to face, and in writing.
- Actively works with the team to create a positive team environment.
- Highly flexible, competent, and adaptable, taking responsibility for own areas of responsibility.
- Undertakes tasks with enthusiasm and takes pride in work at all times.
- Communicates effectively at all levels, considers others' opinions, and always treats others with respect.
- Displays a positive and professional attitude.
- Excellent knowledge of recipe development.
Skills and Experience – Desirable:
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field or qualified by experience.
- Knowledge of JS, Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl codes of practice.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data to make informed decisions.
- Strong background of NPD team collaboration and confident in a customer-facing role.
- Ability to work autonomously within a management role.
Remuneration:
- Salary: £65K
- Paid sick and compassionate leave.
- Subsidised local gym membership, includes gym, pool, and fitness classes.
- Free on-site parking.
- Signing bonus of £200 at weeks 13 and 26.
- Free tea and coffee.
- 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays.
Head of New Product Development - Maternity Cover employer: Recruitment Solutions Workforce Ltd
Contact Detail:
Recruitment Solutions Workforce Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of New Product Development - Maternity Cover
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest BRCGS standards and retailer codes of practice, especially those relevant to Sainsbury's, Tesco, and others mentioned in the job description. This knowledge will not only help you stand out but also demonstrate your commitment to industry standards.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food industry, particularly those with experience in NPD roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into current trends and challenges in product development.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully scaled up food products from concept to production. Highlight your leadership style and how you motivate teams, as this role requires a strong, active leader.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest technological advancements in food manufacturing and product development. Being able to bring innovative solutions to the table will show that you're proactive and forward-thinking, qualities that are essential for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of New Product Development - Maternity Cover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in new product development, particularly within the food industry. Emphasise any management roles you've held and your success in scaling up food products from concept to production.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your skills align with the key areas of accountability mentioned in the job description. Discuss your leadership style and how you motivate teams, as well as your understanding of food legislation and retailer standards.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on specific projects where you successfully managed product trials or collaborated with cross-functional teams. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as projects delivered on time or quality improvements achieved.
Highlight Continuous Learning: Mention any relevant training or certifications, such as Food Safety Level 4 or BRCGS knowledge. This shows your commitment to staying updated with industry trends and regulations, which is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruitment Solutions Workforce Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of New Product Development, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your motivational and inspirational approach.
✨Understand Industry Standards
Familiarise yourself with the latest BRCGS standards and retailer codes of practice. Be ready to discuss how your knowledge can help the company maintain compliance and improve product quality.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding root cause analysis. Think of specific instances where you've effectively troubleshot issues during the product development process.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Highlight your ability to analyse recipe formulations and data. Be prepared to discuss how you've used insights to drive successful product launches and ensure quality standards are met.
