NPD Manager

About The Role

You may not have heard of us, but there’s a good chance you’ve enjoyed our products. Avara Foods is one of the UK’s leading food businesses, supplying chicken and turkey to major supermarkets and restaurants. We own and manage our entire supply chain, from farms to the customer door, with major processing sites across England and Wales, and over 350 farms spanning North Yorkshire to the South Coast and Wales.

About The Role

Are you passionate about food and interested in developing and launching new products? Avara Foods is an inclusive, forward-thinking company that invests in its people. We are looking for a highly competent and motivated NPD Manager to join our NPD Team at our Dudley or Hereford sites . The role is primarily office-based with occasional factory work, working hours Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 17:00, with additional hours as needed.

Responsibilities

1. Manage key client accounts and act as the first point of contact for customers.
2. Oversee the end-to-end NPD process, from concept to launch.
3. Conduct research within the category team to identify consumer trends, market opportunities, and analyze competitors.
4. Develop creative products that meet financial and business requirements.
5. Maintain records of NPD activities for audit compliance.
6. Coordinate with internal stakeholders to develop and deliver safe, compliant new and modified food lines.
7. Work with suppliers to develop new product concepts aligned with customer briefs.
8. Manage benchmarking sessions and project critical paths to ensure timely launches.
9. Handle NPD approval and artwork sign-offs for projects.
10. Maintain NPD facilities, equipment, and procedures for safety and efficiency.
11. Prioritize and manage your team’s workload to meet project deadlines.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• HND/Degree in Food Science or related field.
• Experience in developing and launching products with retail customers.
• Proven project management and influencing skills.
• Knowledge of food ingredients\’ functional characteristics.
• Experience in product presentation and communication.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in the meat and poultry industry.
• Knowledge of food legislation, labelling, and retailer specifications.
• Familiarity with HACCP systems and RTC assembly processes.

Benefits

We offer a secure, supportive environment with opportunities for long-term career development, including:

• Salary up to £52,000 depending on experience.
• 31 days holiday, pension, staff discounts, cycle scheme, and more.
• Access to health and wellbeing benefits, including remote GP and mental health sessions.

Application Process

Post-application, a Resourcing Officer will contact you to discuss your CV and answer questions. If you’re eager to join a dynamic team committed to excellence, apply today! We are an equal opportunities employer.

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