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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development from concept to launch in the food industry.
- Company: Sofina Foods is a global leader in quality meats and seafood, committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, online benefits hub, life insurance, and a health & wellbeing programme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND in Food Science or 5 years of NPD experience; strong project management skills required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team where your ideas matter and career growth is encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Overview
A hands-on NPD role where you will be delivering complex product innovation from concept to launch.
The Role
Our new NPD Manager will take full ownership of end-to-end product development across our European Pork and Seafood Divisions. The role is suited to an experienced NPD professional who enjoys being close to the product, the factory floor and the detail. Working across brand and own-label portfolios, the role focuses on technically complex recipes and development activity, requiring strong process discipline, commercial awareness and the confidence to work independently. You will lead projects from concept through to launch, coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver against quality, cost and timescale targets. Based in Malton, this is a multi-site role that requires regular travel across UK sites, primarily Hull and Scunthorpe.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Owning allocated NPD and regeneration projects from concept to launch, including critical path creation and delivery
- Developing and validating complex pork recipes in line with customer, site and commercial requirements
- Working cross-functionally with Technical, Operations, Commercial, Supply Chain and Procurement to deliver agreed development plans
- Ensuring robust NPD processes, due diligence and governance are followed at every stage
- Proactively identifying risks to quality, cost or timeline and taking corrective action
- Building effective working relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Supporting factory trials, scale-ups and launches across multiple UK sites
- Maintaining clear accountability for project delivery, cost control and specification accuracy
The Ideal Candidate
You Will Be An Experienced, Delivery-focused NPD Professional Who Is Comfortable Working Independently In a Complex Manufacturing Environment. You Will Be
- Qualified to HNC/HND level in Food Science / Food Technology or have significant equivalent NPD experience
- Experienced in end-to-end NPD delivery, ideally within chilled or pork manufacturing (however other categories will be considered)
- Confident managing technically complex recipes and development projects
- Comfortable working across multiple sites and travelling regularly
- Highly organised, with strong project management and critical path ownership
- A clear and confident communicator, able to work effectively across functions
- Commercially aware, with strong numeracy and cost control experience within NPD
- Passionate about food innovation and continuous product improvement
Why Sofina Foods?
This role offers the opportunity to work on technically challenging, high-impact NPD within a large, well-invested food manufacturing business. You’ll have real ownership of projects, exposure across multiple sites, and the chance to shape products from idea through to launch. If you enjoy being close to the detail, solving complex development challenges and working autonomously in a fast-paced environment, this role offers both variety and responsibility without the distraction of people management.
Company Information
Sofina Foods isn’t just a food company – It’s a place to build your future. With a team of over 13,000 people across 40 sites in Canada and Europe, we\\\’re passionate about delivering quality meats and seafood products to consumers around the world. Join a company where innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction drive everything we do. At Sofina, you’ll grow your skills, make a real impact, and work with responsibly sourced products from more than 50 protein sources across five continents. Our vision is bold: to be the most successful food company in the world. If you’re looking for a rewarding career in the food industry, there’s a place for you at Sofina Foods.
Equal Opportunities
Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Schedule
Monday to Friday
Location
Malton, North Yorkshire
Hours of Work
Full-time
Company
Sofina Foods
Country Code
GB
AutoReqId
5240BR
AdRef
INDB2
#J-18808-Ljbffr
NPD Manager employer: Sofina Foods Europe
Contact Detail:
Sofina Foods Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food innovation, particularly in the pork and seafood sectors. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food industry, especially those involved in NPD. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the company culture at Sofina Foods.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your project management experience in NPD. Be ready to explain how you've successfully led projects from concept to launch, as this is a key requirement for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Sofina Foods' values and recent initiatives. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction will allow you to align your answers with their mission during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in New Product Development (NPD) and project management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage projects from concept to launch, as well as your collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the food industry and innovation. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as ensuring quality and cost targets are met while fostering strong relationships with customers and suppliers.
Showcase Your Achievements: Include quantifiable achievements in your application. For instance, if you have successfully launched products or improved processes, provide metrics that illustrate your impact on previous NPD projects.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for the NPD Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sofina Foods Europe
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
As an NPD Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead projects from concept to launch. Prepare specific examples of past projects where you successfully managed timelines, costs, and quality, highlighting any challenges you overcame.
✨Understand the Food Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the food industry, especially in pork and seafood sectors. Being able to discuss recent innovations or consumer preferences will show your passion for the field and your readiness to contribute to Sofina Foods' goals.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively collaborated with different departments in previous roles, and how you plan to foster strong relationships at Sofina Foods.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Having insightful questions prepared shows your genuine interest in the role and the company. Ask about their approach to innovation, how they measure success in NPD projects, or what challenges they currently face in the market.
