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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of exciting new food and drink products from concept to launch.
- Company: Join a beloved food brand known for exceptional quality and innovation in the UK and beyond.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with flexible days at the London HQ and a vibrant team culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food while collaborating with creative minds in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and a degree in Food Science or related field required.
- Other info: This is a 12-month fixed term contract; apply now to make an impact!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
The Company
This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded food business who are going through a period of growth and are seeking a dynamic and experienced NPD Manager / Product Manager (Food) to help bring innovative concepts to life.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Product, you will be responsible for ensuring that the products you develop are not only successful but fully align with the business retail-focussed strategy.
You will be required to brilliantly plan, manage and successfully deliver NPD and EPD projects from start to finish whilst effectively influencing, briefing and coordinating people cross-functionally at all levels. This will involve building close working relationships with internal and external manufacturing partners with full ownership of the Stage & Gate process.
You’ll keep up to speed with new food / consumer trends, ingredients, packaging and technologies as well as the competitor landscape, so you can drive the innovation of on-trend products. This will be in collaboration with in-house NPD teams at UK and European manufacturing sites as well as 3rd party partners, motivating them to deliver projects with energy and enthusiasm whilst ensuring cost parameters and technical requirements are met.
This role will also require some travel to European and UK manufacturing sites.
The Person
This role will suit a passionate and driven NPD Manager, ideally with a Food Science degree as well as experience gained from a chilled food manufacturing, food brand or retail environment.
You’ll need to have experience of working with suppliers, manufacturing and cross-functional teams as well as the UK retailers, to continually raise the bar on product innovation, quality and integrity. You will be a natural communicator, able to effectively manage and influence key stakeholders whilst building strong working relationships to deliver significant NPD projects.
If you are already in a similar role and you are ready to make your mark with this leading food business, then apply today or get in touch with Georgina for a confidential chat – 0345 2600 737 / Georgina@blue-spark.org.uk
Ref: L6929
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Due to the large number of applications our opportunities attract, it sometimes takes us time to thoroughly review and consider them all. We endeavour to respond to every application within 5 working days, however if you have not heard from us within this timeframe, we are sorry to say your application for the role has not been successful. To support you in showcasing your best self, we make sure that any necessary accommodations, whether physical or non-physical, are provided to assist you throughout the job application and interview process.
Also, please note that we are only able to accept and respond to applications from candidates with eligibility to work in the UK and those who hold valid work visas.
Contact Detail:
Blue Spark Organisation Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development Manager (Food)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the food and beverage industry. Understanding what’s currently popular can help you speak confidently about how your ideas align with the company's vision during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food manufacturing and retail sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past NPD successes. Be ready to explain how you used customer insights and data to drive innovation, as this will demonstrate your capability to meet the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your presentation skills, as delivering engaging food presentations is a key part of the role. Consider rehearsing with friends or colleagues to refine your ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Manager (Food)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in product development, particularly in food manufacturing or retail. Emphasise any previous roles where you led NPD projects and mention specific achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and beverage innovation. Discuss how your background in Food Science and your experience in managing product launches can contribute to the company's growth and success.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as stakeholder management, communication, and trend analysis. Provide examples of how you've successfully used these skills in past roles.
Showcase Your Understanding of the Brand: Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and its values in your application. Mention any specific products or initiatives that resonate with you and explain how you can contribute to their mission of delivering exceptional food experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Spark Organisation Ltd
✨Showcase Your NPD Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in new product development, particularly in food manufacturing or retail. Highlight specific projects where you successfully led the process from concept to launch, and be ready to share metrics that demonstrate your impact.
✨Understand the Brand's Values
Research the company's mission and values thoroughly. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their vision of delivering exceptional food and drink experiences.
✨Prepare for Trend Discussions
Since the role involves identifying emerging trends, come equipped with examples of current trends in the food and beverage industry. Discuss how you've used customer insights and data in the past to drive innovation and product development.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
As you'll need to deliver engaging presentations to stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Consider preparing a mock presentation on a hypothetical product idea to demonstrate your communication skills and creativity.
