At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting food product development projects from concept to launch.
- Company: Dynamic food business in London with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a vibrant team culture.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in food product development and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are working exclusively with an excellent food business in London to support them with the appointment of an experienced NPD Manager. This is a fantastic opportunity for a strong NPD professional to take ownership of product development projects from concept through to launch within a dynamic and innovative environment. The role will also involve leading and developing an NPD team while working closely with commercial, operations and technical teams to deliver high-quality products to market. Candidates with experience in food manufacturing and ideally chilled category will be particularly well suited to this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development of new food products from concept through to launch
- Manage multiple NPD projects and ensure delivery against agreed timelines
- Oversee and improve internal product development processes and project management systems
- Work cross-functionally with operations, commercial, technical and supply chain teams
- Support the translation of customer briefs into commercially viable products
- Build strong working relationships with customers and internal stakeholders
- Monitor market trends, consumer insights and competitor activity
- Conduct benchmarking and identify opportunities for product innovation
- Manage, mentor and develop members of the NPD team
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a commercially minded NPD professional with strong leadership capability and a passion for product innovation.
Experience
- Proven experience in food product development within a manufacturing environment
- Strong project management experience delivering successful product launches
- Experience working with customers or retailers on product development projects
- Previous experience leading or mentoring NPD teams
Key Skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong organisational and project management ability
- Commercial awareness and ability to balance creativity with operational requirements
- Ability to analyse market trends and identify product opportunities
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
Senior Product Development Manager in Thornton Heath employer: Alexander Steele
Contact Detail:
Alexander Steele Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Product Development Manager in Thornton Heath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food industry, especially those who work in product development. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for product innovation! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your ideas and insights on market trends. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to NPD. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product Development Manager in Thornton Heath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Product Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in food product development and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about product innovation and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the role.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills: Since this role involves managing multiple NPD projects, be sure to highlight your project management experience. Share specific examples of successful product launches and how you kept everything on track.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Steele
✨Know Your NPD Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food product development, especially in the chilled category. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will show your expertise and passion for innovation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading an NPD team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored team members in the past. Highlight your approach to building strong relationships and fostering a collaborative environment.
✨Understand the Market
Research current market trends and consumer insights related to food products. Be ready to discuss how you've used this information to drive product innovation or improve processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to identify opportunities.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams, so think about times when you've successfully collaborated with operations, commercial, or technical teams. Share specific examples that highlight your communication skills and ability to balance creativity with operational needs.