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- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative food products from concept to factory launch.
- Company: Join Direct Table Foods, a top UK bacon and sausage processor with over 50 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days holiday, and fantastic colleague discounts.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of food innovation in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in food science or related field and experience in NPD within food manufacturing.
- Other info: Collaborate with talented teams and drive exciting new product launches.
The predicted salary is between 53735 - 53735 £ per year.
Direct Table Foods is one of the UK’s leading bacon, gammon and sausage processors. Based in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, we have a rich heritage stretching back more than 50 years and a strong vision for the future. We are looking for an experienced NPD Process Manager to join our team and play a key role in bringing innovative new food products from concept through to successful factory launch. This role sits at the heart of our development process, ensuring that new products are efficiently scaled from kitchen concept to full manufacturing, while maintaining the highest standards in quality, food safety, cost control, and operational performance.
Working closely with development, technical, and operations teams, you will manage the process development stage of projects, lead factory trials, and ensure products are delivered on time, on cost, and to the highest quality standards. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment, solving problems, and turning great ideas into successful products.
Key Responsibilities- Manage the NPD process from concept approval through to successful factory launch.
- Lead factory trials, scale‑up activities, and product validations to ensure products perform in a manufacturing environment.
- Work closely with development, technical, and operations teams to ensure a smooth concept‑to‑launch process.
- Ensure all projects follow the NPD gate process, maintaining clear documentation and timelines.
- Identify and resolve process, quality, or manufacturing challenges during development and trials.
- Ensure all products meet food safety, quality, legal, and customer requirements.
- Manage project timelines to deliver new products on schedule and within agreed cost parameters.
- Coordinate NPD meetings with key stakeholders to track progress and address challenges.
- Capture learning from launches and trials to improve future development projects.
- Stay aware of industry trends, ingredients, and process improvements that support innovation and efficiency.
- Degree or NVQ in a food science, food technology, or related discipline.
- Proven experience in NPD or process development within a food manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of factory trials, scale‑up processes, and commercial product launches.
- Experience working in a fast‑paced production environment.
- Excellent organisation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong people leadership and management skills.
- Ability to solve technical and process challenges during product development.
- Experience working with customers and cross‑functional teams.
- Salary up to £53,735
- 33 days holiday with an option to buy up to 5 extra days
- Access to Grocery Aid providing emotional, practical and financial support
- Benefits and recognition hub - including amazing colleague discounts
If you’re ready to drive innovation, lead a talented team, and help bring exciting new products to life, we’d love to hear from you.
NPD Process Manager – Food Manufacturing in Bury St Edmunds employer: Direct Table Foods Limited
Contact Detail:
Direct Table Foods Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Process Manager – Food Manufacturing in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who work at Direct Table Foods. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the latest trends in food innovation and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their NPD process. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely excited about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on articulating your experience in managing NPD processes and how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Direct Table Foods.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Process Manager – Food Manufacturing in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the NPD Process Manager role. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for food innovation and detail how your background aligns with our needs. Let us know why you're excited about this opportunity at Direct Table Foods.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements in NPD or process development. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you’ve successfully managed projects and overcome challenges in a fast-paced environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Direct Table Foods Limited
✨Know Your NPD Process
Make sure you understand the entire New Product Development (NPD) process, especially in food manufacturing. Brush up on how concepts are turned into products and be ready to discuss your experience with factory trials and scale-up activities.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to share specific examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you resolved them. Highlight your ability to tackle technical and process issues during product development, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you can demonstrate your strong communication and stakeholder management skills during the interview.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Research current trends in food manufacturing and innovation. Being knowledgeable about new ingredients and process improvements will show your passion for the industry and your commitment to driving innovation.