At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development and manage a dynamic NPD team.
- Company: Join Cranswick Convenience Foods, a top UK cooked meats manufacturer.
- Benefits: Enjoy great perks like enhanced pay, wellbeing support, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food innovation while growing your career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in NPD, strong communication skills, and a passion for quality food.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday
Working Hours: Flexibility within standard office hours
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior NPD Manager to join our New Product Development (NPD) Team.
A bit about us
Cranswick Convenience Foods is one of the largest cooked meats manufacturers in the UK, supplying high quality cooked meats, from standard tiers through to premium, to leading high street retailers. With a diverse team of over 1,000 colleagues, every day at Cranswick brings unique challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth – there has never been a more exciting time to join us!
What you’ll be doing
As a Senior Development Manager, you will play a fundamental role leading the site’s development function, managing the NPD team while overseeing innovation, new product development and existing product development projects. Working closely with our main customers, commercial teams and across the site, you’ll ensure that products are successfully delivered from concept through till launch, meeting customer expectations, commercial objectives and operational requirements.
- Leading and developing the NPD and Culinary teams to deliver exceptional results.
- Managing innovation, NPD and EPD projects from concept through to successful launch.
- Ensuring the products meet both the customer and Cranswick expectations, whilst satisfying all relevant technical and operational criteria.
- Building strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.
- Driving retailer-specific innovation strategies and customer development plans.
- Leading cross-functional projects, ensuring milestones and critical paths are achieved.
- Championing the Stage & Gate process and continuous improvement.
- Supporting product quality through benchmarking, trials and launch reviews.
- Identifying opportunities for value engineering and cost optimisation.
- Promote collaboration, continuous improvement, and the sharing of best practice across the business.
A full job description is available upon request.
What we need from you
Essential- A strong understanding of the NPD process built from at least 3 years’ experience, preferably in a chilled manufacturing industry.
- Intermediate or Advanced Food hygiene certificate.
- Must be in possession of a full valid driving licence.
- Demonstrate a genuine passion and understanding of food and respect for quality with a factory minded approach.
- Able to work both as an individual and as a team player.
- Good interpersonal / communication skills.
- Ability to work within a fast-moving environment with change and high expectations.
- Flexible.
- Detail Conscious; taking pride in presenting and inspire through preparation of food.
- Experience working with major UK retailers.
- Ability to create a good first impression, project yourself well and present with confidence.
- Knowledge of meat technology and manufacturing processes.
- Experience of value engineering and cost optimisation projects.
- Butchery Knowledge.
What you’ll get in return
We offer a fantastic reward package in return, here’s a peek at some of our fantastic benefits:
- Discounted ShareSave scheme
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Adoption pay with service
- Enhance pension scheme
- Long service awards – vouchers and enhanced holidays with service
- Access to our ‘Feed Your Wellbeing’ hub offering a range of retail, restaurant and entertainment discounts, as well as access to health and wellbeing support (including 24h virtual GP)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Opportunity to purchase extra holidays
- Recommend a friend scheme
- Death in service
- Access to discounted and exclusive memberships
- On site parking
Interested? Send us your CV and covering letter to [email protected] and let us know what position you’re applying for in the subject of the email.
Closing date: 14/08/26 (please note that the closing date may be brought forward)
If you are an internal applicant please notify your line manager before applying.
SENIOR NPD MANAGER in Barnsley employer: Cranswick Country Foods
As a QA Technician in our food production facility, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to maintaining the highest quality standards. We offer competitive pay, a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, and ample opportunities for professional growth within the industry. Join us in a location that prioritises employee well-being and fosters a sense of community, making it an excellent place to build a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENIOR NPD MANAGER in Barnsley
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Cranswick Country Foods.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Cranswick Country Foods!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Cranswick Country Foods, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Cranswick Country Foods, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace SENIOR NPD MANAGER in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Cranswick Country Foods, 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 Cranswick Country Foods.
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 Cranswick Country Foods. 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 Cranswick Country Foods. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranswick Country Foods
✨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 Cranswick Country Foods’s mission.
