New Product Development Manager 14 - 18 Month FTC (FOOD)
New Product Development Manager 14 - 18 Month FTC (FOOD)

New Product Development Manager 14 - 18 Month FTC (FOOD)

Bristol Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative food product development from concept to customer approval.
  • Company: Join a leading food business known for high-quality, consumer-first innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while shaping meaningful food innovations.
  • Qualifications: Experience in NPD or Senior Product Development, ideally in food manufacturing.
  • Other info: 14-18 month fixed-term contract with potential for hands-on project management.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

The Company
This well-established food business continues to set the standard in high-quality, consumer-first product innovation across a range of dynamic categories. With a strong pipeline of exciting projects, they are now looking for an experienced NPD Manager to join their talented product team on a 14 to 18 month fixed-term contract.

The Role
Reporting to the Senior Innovation Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in bringing insight-led concepts to life, from early-stage development through to customer approval. This is a collaborative role that will see you working hands-on with products, using your expertise in flavour, ingredients, and emerging trends to drive commercially sound innovation. You’ll lead multiple development projects across the business’s growing brand portfolio, maintaining momentum across each stage of the process. That means managing timelines, engaging cross-functional teams, presenting ideas to key retail partners, and supporting the creative direction of your category. With a blend of site-based development, occasional travel to manufacturing sites and customer-facing presentations, this is a varied role with real scope to shape meaningful innovation.

The Candidate
You’ll be an experienced and commercially aware NPD Manager or Senior Product Developer, ideally with a strong grounding in food manufacturing. Confident in recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and managing projects at pace, you bring both creativity and structure to the table. Your ability to translate trends into tangible, retailer-ready concepts sets you apart, along with your natural flair for collaboration and communication. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a values-led, fast-paced food business on a high-impact contract. If you’re ready to step into a dynamic role with room to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

New Product Development Manager 14 - 18 Month FTC (FOOD) employer: Blue Spark Organisation Ltd

This well-established food business is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a strong focus on personal and professional growth, with opportunities to lead exciting projects in a dynamic environment. Located in a thriving area, the company fosters a values-led approach, ensuring that every team member can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive atmosphere.
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Contact Detail:

Blue Spark Organisation Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land New Product Development Manager 14 - 18 Month FTC (FOOD)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food innovation and product development. Being able to discuss current market movements and how they relate to the role will show your passion and expertise during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the food industry, especially those involved in product development. Attend relevant events or webinars to make connections that could lead to valuable insights or even referrals for the position.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to showcase your project management skills by thinking of specific examples where you've successfully led product development projects. Be ready to discuss how you managed timelines and collaborated with cross-functional teams.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the company’s existing product portfolio and think about how you can contribute to their innovation pipeline. Having ideas ready to share during your interview can demonstrate your proactive approach and fit for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Manager 14 - 18 Month FTC (FOOD)

Product Development
Recipe Development
Ingredient Sourcing
Project Management
Trend Analysis
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Customer Engagement
Presentation Skills
Time Management
Creativity
Commercial Awareness
Flavour Expertise
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in new product development, particularly in the food industry. Emphasise your skills in recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and project management to align with the job requirements.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food innovation and your understanding of market trends. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you can contribute to the company's goals.

Highlight Collaborative Skills: Since the role involves working with cross-functional teams, make sure to mention any previous experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. This could include working with marketing, sales, or production teams on product launches.

Showcase Your Creativity: In your application, provide examples of how you've translated trends into successful product concepts. This could be through case studies or specific projects that highlight your innovative thinking and ability to bring ideas to life.

How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Spark Organisation Ltd

✨Showcase Your NPD Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in new product development, particularly in the food sector. Highlight specific projects where you successfully brought concepts to life, focusing on your role in recipe development and ingredient sourcing.

✨Demonstrate Trend Awareness

Research current trends in the food industry before the interview. Be ready to share how you've translated these trends into successful products in the past, showcasing your ability to innovate and stay ahead of the curve.

✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills

This role requires working with cross-functional teams, so be sure to provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others in previous roles. Discuss how you manage timelines and engage different stakeholders to keep projects on track.

✨Prepare for Customer-Facing Scenarios

Since the role involves presenting ideas to key retail partners, practice articulating your concepts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can tailor your presentations to meet the needs of different audiences, demonstrating your communication skills.

New Product Development Manager 14 - 18 Month FTC (FOOD)
Blue Spark Organisation Ltd
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