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- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative food products from idea to launch.
- Company: Join Doves Farm Foods, a family-owned business known for artisan, organic foods.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 50% staff discount, and perks like free snacks and gym discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making impactful food products in a beautiful countryside setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in food development and strong project management skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a new role aimed at accelerating company growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 33600 £ per year.
NPD MANAGER Doves Farm Foods Ltd is a successful, award-winning, family-owned food business, specialising in artisan, organic and free from flours and foods. It operates a portfolio of loved, market leading brands including Doves Farm, FREEE and Wessex Mill. This exciting NPD Manager role will play a key role in the development of our new product pipeline (both innovation & renovation) managing projects from conception to launch as well as the overall process. The role involves scoping opportunities, working cross-functionally to develop and commercialise projects whilst ensuring business objectives, consumer preferences, quality, regulatory and technical standards are met. The position is new and part of an ambitious drive to accelerate company growth. The role is office based 5 days a week on our site 3 miles outside Hungerford in the beautiful North Wessex Downs. Salary: up to £40,00 FTE, Depending on Experience TEAM The role will be part of the Doves Farm Foods marketing team and reports to the Head of Marketing. It will work closely with the NPD Technologist as well as the rest of the business including Sales, Production, Supply Chain and Technical to deliver projects. GENERAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES * Support the creation of an annual and longer-term innovation/renovation calendar * Identify market opportunities across all brands and categories through market research, trend spotting, cross-functional input and ideation sessions – and turn into business cases/projects. * Ensure on-going review of existing product ranges for competitiveness & profitability and lead refresh projects. * Own the stage-gate process, critical paths and facilitate and run NPD/EPD project meetings * Lead market research using various research methodologies and platforms to research new concepts, flavours and validate products. * Work with the NPD Technologist on recipe development and kitchen trials ensuring briefs are met * Work with commercial teams to produce costings and profitable, competitive market propositions * Work with Supply Chain and Production on ingredients, sourcing and manufacturability. * Project lead all agreed projects * Monitor & report on performance of NPD/EPD on a regular basis * Support the marketing team with other departmental and broader business activity as required. SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE * Solid experience and a proven track-record from a similar role in food/drink is essential * You have a rounded food development, marketing & commercial understanding * You have excellent project management skills, able to manage & prioritise multiple projects. * You are an excellent communicator with strong meeting facilitation skills. * You take the initiative, solve problems effectively, and are happy to get stuck in and be hands on. * You are very well organised and pay attention to detail whilst managing a busy and varied agenda. * You have excellent IT skills and are proficient in Microsoft Office or similar. * A passion for food/drink is essential. WHAT WE OFFER * Flexible in-office hours to work around commitments including compressed hours, where feasible. * A pioneering family-owned business with loved brands that make a difference to people & planet. * Beautiful work location in the Wiltshire countryside * 50% staff discount in our webshop * Cycle to Work, EyeCare, Discounted local gym membership * Free tea & coffee, fresh fruit, bread, jam and usually lots of tasty food in development
NPD Manager employer: Doves Farm Foods
Contact Detail:
Doves Farm Foods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with Doves Farm Foods' product range and their unique selling points. Understanding their brands like Doves Farm, FREEE, and Wessex Mill will help you align your ideas with their vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food industry, especially those involved in NPD. Attend relevant events or webinars to gain insights and make connections that could be beneficial when applying for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current food trends and consumer preferences. Being able to discuss recent innovations or market shifts during your interview will demonstrate your passion and knowledge in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your project management skills by thinking of specific examples from your past experience. Highlight how you've successfully managed multiple projects and collaborated cross-functionally, as these are key aspects of the NPD Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the NPD Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in food development, project management, and marketing. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple projects and your passion for food.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific projects you've led in the past and how they relate to the responsibilities of the NPD Manager position.
Highlight Your Skills: In your application, emphasize your communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work cross-functionally. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different teams in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Doves Farm Foods
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for food and drink during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your love for culinary innovation, as this aligns with the company's values.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects in the past. Be ready to discuss specific methodologies you used, such as the stage-gate process, and how you ensured timely delivery while meeting quality standards.
✨Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Share instances where you facilitated communication between departments like marketing, production, and supply chain to achieve project goals.
✨Research Market Trends
Familiarize yourself with current market trends in the food industry, especially in organic and free-from products. Being able to discuss recent innovations or consumer preferences will demonstrate your proactive approach and understanding of the market landscape.
