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- Tasks: Lead exciting food innovation projects from concept to launch.
- Company: Join a trusted UK food manufacturer with a strong commitment to quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary up to £55,000 plus benefits in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Shape product strategy and deliver tangible results in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in food NPD, strong project management skills, and attention to detail required.
- Other info: Work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.
Location: Accrington, Lancashire
Type: Permanent
Salary: Up to £55,000 + benefits
Do you want to lead exciting food innovation projects for one of the UK’s most recognisable names in chilled and frozen food manufacturing space? We’re hiring an NPD Manager to take charge of end-to-end product development, bringing both new and improved products to market. This is a fantastic opportunity for a proactive and commercially minded food professional to shape product strategy within a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
About the Company
Our client is a long established UK food manufacturer, known for its heritage, trusted quality, and presence across major supermarkets. With deep roots in the North West, the business has a loyal consumer base and a strong commitment to innovation within savoury chilled and frozen food categories.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Commercial, you’ll own the full NPD/EPD process, from kitchen concept and factory trials through to product launch. You’ll work cross functionally with Technical, Engineering, Category, and Operations, managing timelines, documentation, packaging, and internal approvals. This is a brilliant role for someone who enjoys working independently, thrives in a practical environment, and wants to deliver tangible results across branded and own-label portfolios.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end delivery of NPD and EPD projects
- Chair weekly NPD meetings and manage project timelines
- Develop and trial kitchen concepts based on trend insights and customer briefs
- Manage costings, packaging approvals, and reheating/cooking validations
- Collaborate with Technical on specs, QUID, HACCP and documentation
- Coordinate internal tasting sessions and benchmarking
- Support Capex project delivery with Engineering where applicable
- Ensure all internal systems and stakeholders are aligned pre-launch
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in food NPD, ideally within chilled/frozen manufacturing.
- Strong project management and cross-functional communication skills
- Confident working independently with minimal supervision
- Hands-on mindset with attention to detail and commercial awareness
- Excellent documentation and organisation capabilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; MS Project experience a plus
- Experience with both own-label and branded ranges welcome
Interested? 'Apply' below or email your CV to:
The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner to the FMCG and consumer product sectors. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.
NPD Manager employer: Advocate Group
Contact Detail:
Advocate Group 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, especially in the chilled and frozen categories. 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 manufacturing sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the NPD Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of past NPD projects you've managed. Highlight your project management skills and how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your hands-on approach by discussing any practical experiences you have in product development. Emphasise your attention to detail and how it has contributed to successful product launches in the past.
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 food NPD, particularly within chilled or frozen manufacturing. Emphasise your project management skills and any cross-functional communication experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food innovation and your understanding of the NPD process. Mention specific projects you've led and how they align with the company's focus on quality and innovation.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, clearly outline your hands-on mindset, attention to detail, and commercial awareness. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed timelines and documentation in previous roles.
Showcase Your Technical Proficiency: Mention your proficiency in Microsoft Office and any experience with MS Project. If you have worked with both own-label and branded ranges, be sure to include this information as it aligns with the job requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Advocate Group
✨Showcase Your NPD Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in new product development, particularly within the chilled and frozen food sectors. Highlight specific projects you've led, focusing on your role in the end-to-end process from concept to launch.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since the role requires working with various teams, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with technical, engineering, and operations teams in past roles. This will show your ability to manage timelines and documentation effectively.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on key technical aspects related to food safety, such as HACCP and QUID. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the responsibilities of the role.
✨Exhibit Your Project Management Skills
Highlight your project management experience, especially if you have used tools like MS Project. Discuss how you manage timelines, coordinate tasks, and ensure all stakeholders are aligned, as this is crucial for the NPD Manager position.
