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- Tasks: Lead product innovation and manage the NPD lifecycle from concept to launch.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing food & drink brand focused on natural ingredients and consumer impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with travel opportunities and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a creative role that embraces food trends and innovation.
- Qualifications: Food science/technology degree with experience in food/drink brands or manufacturing.
- Other info: Ideal for ambitious candidates looking to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Be among the first 25 applicants
FMCG Senior Recruitment Consultant – ex NPD Manager & NAM Grocery
The Company
This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded NPD team within a business that has long been a leader in the food industry. They are now seeking a dynamic and experienced New Product Development Manager (10 months Fixed Term Contract) to join their team to cover maternity leave and help bring fresh, innovative concepts to life.
There is some flexibility with this role – at least 3 days working at site and the other days from home or with your customer.
The Role
Reporting into the NPD Controller, you’ll take responsibility for a major retail account, working across a number of food categories. You will be the primary contact for your customer, working closely with them to deliver the NPD strategy and timely product launches.
From the initial concept to final launch, you’ll be right at the heart of the process, seeing your ideas make it onto supermarket shelves for consumers to enjoy. You’ll also manage a small team, ensuring they’re developed and supported in order to deliver product excellence.
Working closely with NPD Chefs, Process, Technical, Commercial and Packaging teams, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the products you develop meet customer, consumer, and category objectives. Your strategic vision will also help shape the medium- and long-term development plans, driving continuous improvement and category growth.
The Person
You’ll be an experienced NPD Manager with a strong track record in food manufacturing and working with the UK retailers as you’ll need to understand their processes and how to deliver innovation. This will mean your customer and NPD project management skills will be second to none. Building customer relationships will be something you relish and excel at.
You’ll be a natural leader, with strong interpersonal and communication skills that allow you to collaborate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.
You’ll also need to be adept at mentoring and developing a small team whilst ensuring projects meet deadlines and are executed with precision.
If you’re looking for an exciting challenge in a customer focused role, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now or call us on 0345 2600 737 // 07700 137 110 to find out more.
Ref: L6838
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Contract
Job function
- Manufacturing and Product Management
- Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing
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NPD Manager – Food employer: Blue Spark Organisation Ltd
Contact Detail:
Blue Spark Organisation Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager – Food
✨Tip Number 1
Stay updated on the latest food trends and innovations. Follow industry blogs, attend food expos, and engage with online communities to gather insights that can help you stand out as a candidate who is truly passionate about product development.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food and drink industry. Connect with people on LinkedIn, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions to build relationships that could lead to referrals or insider information about the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous NPD projects in detail during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you managed the product development lifecycle, collaborated with suppliers, and delivered successful launches.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for healthy foods and innovative flavors. Consider creating a portfolio that highlights your work with flavor profiles, ingredient sourcing, and any unique concepts you've developed to demonstrate your creativity and expertise.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager – Food
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company: Dive deep into the food & drink brand's mission and values. Familiarize yourself with their product range and recent innovations to tailor your application to their ethos.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize your background in product development, especially within the food industry. Showcase specific projects where you successfully managed the NPD lifecycle from concept to launch.
Showcase Your Passion for Food Innovation: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for healthy foods and your understanding of flavor profiles. Mention any trends you've identified or innovative ideas you have that align with the company's vision.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV reflects the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your project management abilities and any experience working with co-manufacturers or in high-growth environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Spark Organisation Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Product Innovation
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for product innovation during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've successfully developed new products or flavors in the past, and discuss what excites you about the potential to create impactful food products.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Trends
Stay updated on the latest consumer, ingredient, and technology trends in the food industry. Be prepared to discuss recent trends you've noticed and how they could influence the company's NPD pipeline. This shows that you're proactive and knowledgeable about the market.
✨Highlight Your Project Management Skills
Since this role involves managing the end-to-end product development lifecycle, be ready to talk about your project management experience. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed timelines, collaborated with teams, and ensured projects were delivered on schedule.
✨Emphasize Collaborative Relationships
Discuss your experience working with co-manufacturers and suppliers. Highlight how you've built strong relationships in the past and how these collaborations have led to successful product launches. This will demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
