At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative food product development from concept to customer approval.
- Company: Join an award-winning food business known for high-quality, insight-led innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative environment with opportunities for creativity and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a values-led company while working on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and product development is essential; creativity is a must!
- Other info: Full UK driving licence required; some travel involved.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Company
This award-winning food business is known for its high-quality, insight-led product innovation across multiple categories and are looking for a creative and commercially minded Innovation Manager to join a large product team and help drive the development of market leading products. This is a site-based role with some travel to other manufacturing sites and customers so a full UK driving licence is essential.
The Role
Reporting into the Senior Innovation Manager, you’ll be at the forefront of concept development, from kitchen to customer approval. This is a hands-on, foodie role where you’ll create and evolve products that balance creativity with technical feasibility, using market insights, consumer trends, and your own passion for food innovation. You’ll lead multiple NPD projects across their brands, ensuring each one is aligned with commercial goals and customer expectations. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you’ll keep critical paths on track and deliver solutions with speed and precision. From building compelling customer presentations, to sourcing innovative raw materials and supporting trend safaris, you’ll help keep the business ahead of the curve.
The Candidate
You’ll be a creative and foodie Senior Product Developer or NPD Manager with a strong track record within food manufacturing, in bringing great concepts to shelf. With deep knowledge of ingredients and recipe formulation, you combine creative flair with a meticulous approach to development. You’re confident managing multiple projects at pace, presenting ideas to customers and influencing internal teams across departments. Ideally, you also have some people management experience. This is a brilliant opportunity to shape a growing product portfolio within a values-led food business. You’ll work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where your ideas and expertise can truly make a difference.
Locations
Innovation Manager (FOOD) employer: Blue Spark Organisation Ltd
Contact Detail:
Blue Spark Organisation Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation Manager (FOOD)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest food trends and innovations. Being able to discuss current market insights and how they relate to the role will show your passion and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the food industry by attending relevant events or joining online forums. Building connections can provide you with valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the Innovation Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your previous NPD projects in detail. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've balanced creativity with technical feasibility, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've influenced cross-functional teams in past roles. This will highlight your ability to manage multiple projects and drive collaboration.
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Manager (FOOD)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your relevant experience in product development and innovation within the food industry.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your skills and experiences that align with the role of Innovation Manager. Emphasise your track record in NPD projects, creativity, and any people management experience you may have.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food innovation and your understanding of market trends. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate how you can contribute to the company's goals.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, prepare to discuss your previous projects in detail. Be ready to present ideas and solutions that align with the company's vision and demonstrate your ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Spark Organisation Ltd
✨Showcase Your Creativity
As an Innovation Manager, creativity is key. Prepare to discuss your past projects where you successfully combined innovative ideas with market insights. Bring examples of how you've developed concepts from the kitchen to customer approval.
✨Understand Market Trends
Familiarise yourself with current food trends and consumer preferences. Be ready to share your thoughts on how these trends can influence product development and how you would apply them in your role.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Highlight your experience in managing multiple NPD projects simultaneously. Discuss specific strategies you use to keep projects on track and how you ensure alignment with commercial goals and customer expectations.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborating across departments. Share examples of how you've influenced internal teams and built compelling presentations for customers.