At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development and manage exciting projects from concept to launch.
- Company: Established food manufacturer with a focus on innovation and customer engagement.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong relationships with major UK retailers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry by driving product innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field and experience in NPD leadership.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Head of NPD
Our client is a well-established food manufacturer supplying major UK retailers.
Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced NPD leader to drive innovation, customer engagement, and successful product launches across the business.
This role would particularly suit an individual with a strong bakery development background, a Food Science or related degree, and proven experience managing key retailer relationships, ideally including Tesco and JS ( amongst all top 4)
The Role
Reporting into the Managing Director you will lead the NPD and Process Development function, ensuring innovation projects are aligned with customer and business priorities.
You will oversee the full development lifecycle from concept through to factory launch, while providing technical expertise, commercial awareness, and strong customer-facing leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor and develop the NPD and Process Development team.
- Manage the delivery of NPD projects from concept through to successful launch.
- Oversee project critical paths, ensuring milestones are achieved and stakeholders remain aligned.
- Act as the primary contact for customers, suppliers and internal teams throughout the development process.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with major UK retailers through a collaborative and customer-focused approach.
- Present new concepts, market insights and product innovations directly to customers.
- Drive recipe development and ensure products are commercially viable and factory-manufacturable.
- Work closely with Technical, Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement and Commercial teams to ensure project success.
- Manage costings from concept approval through to post-launch review.
- Lead process improvement initiatives across existing and new products.
- Ensure all launches are delivered in line with agreed quality, cost and timing expectations.
- Candidate Profile
Essential
- Degree qualified in Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline.
- Significant experience within chilled food manufacturing.
- Proven track record in an NPD leadership role.
- Strong customer-facing experience with major UK retailers.
- Experience managing multiple development projects and critical paths simultaneously.
- Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
- Commercially aware with the ability to balance customer expectations and manufacturing capability.
- Highly Desirable
- Bakery product development experience.
- Previous Tesco account exposure (JS Tesco preferred).
- Experience supplying Top 4 UK grocery retailers.
- Strong understanding of recipe development, process optimisation and design for manufacture.
- Ideal Candidate
We're looking for a hands-on, commercially minded NPD leader who combines technical expertise with excellent customer relationship skills.
You'll be comfortable presenting to retailer development teams, influencing cross-functional stakeholders and leading the successful delivery of innovative products from concept to launch.
We can offer flexible working, you do need to be able to get to see customers. Manufacturing site is North West based
New Product Development Manager in Chester employer: Blakeney Point Search & Selection
Join a leading food manufacturer in Cornwall that prioritises employee growth and development within a dynamic work culture. As a Technical Manager, you'll not only influence site strategy and ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality but also benefit from a supportive environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With strong customer relationships and a commitment to continuous improvement, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to make a real impact in the food manufacturing sector.
Contact Details:
Blakeney Point Search & Selection Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development Manager in Chester
✨Join Food Science Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Manager in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Blakeney Point Search & Selection, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Blakeney Point Search & Selection.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Blakeney Point Search & Selection. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Blakeney Point Search & Selection. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blakeney Point Search & Selection
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Blakeney Point Search & Selection’s mission.
