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- Tasks: Lead exciting product development projects from concept to launch in the food industry.
- Company: Join Finedale Foods, a dynamic player in the frozen food market.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career growth, and a creative work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with a talented team and make a real impact in the industry.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of innovation, turning customer ideas into delicious products.
- Qualifications: Project management skills and a passion for food innovation are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Position: NPD Project Manager – Full time
Reporting to: Site Operations Manager
Location: Finedale Foods Limited, Bunwell Street, Bunwell, Norfolk, NR16 1SH
Overview of the role
The role combines the creativity of turning customer briefs into exciting new products and the rigor of ensuring the project framework is followed to deliver combined commercial value, whilst allowing for production needs. Project manage product development for the Frank Dale brand, own-label and co-manufacturing partners across a wide range of product types from concept to launch. Show diligence and determination to deliver commercially successful projects, driving product launches and changes across the business.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities
- NPD Project Management
Manage NPD projects end-to-end, from product brief to launch, using the stage gate system as the project framework and ensuring necessary sign-offs at each milestone. Develop project plans, critical paths, and timelines, setting priorities and coordinating project progression to successful completion. Proactively identify and mitigate potential risks to ensure project delivery on time and within agreed costs. Facilitate seamless transition of projects into Production, including: Defining project scope, conducting team briefings, and managing the Change Control and sign-off processes. Creating accurate product costings, submitting to customers, and meeting product cost targets. Ensuring all new product development (NPD) and existing product development (EPD) efforts are professionally coordinated and presented to customers, including preparing presentations or information sheets. Overseeing new raw materials needed for projects, including specifications. Reduce complexity within the organisation by supporting ingredient and recipe rationalisation, leveraging existing resources effectively.
- NPD Project Tasks
Establish and maintain credibility across the business and with external stakeholders, fostering collaboration to achieve project goals. Assist with managing new raw materials and related specifications. Creating and sourcing information for new line forms and factory documentation. Support packaging design and sign-off for new printed packaging and labels. Act as custodian of nutritional data for products. Observe production trials and new product launches in production areas, conducting post-trial meetings to gather feedback, review processes, and make improvements.
- Product Development Team Management
Line-manage the product development team and/or manage external resources as needed to support product development and project objectives.
- Technical Support
Support the Technical team during BRC audits, presenting relevant new product development information to auditors. Participate actively in HACCP processes and cross-functional communication on technical requirements, including quality management systems (QMS), quality attribute sheets (QAS), and product specifications.
Secondary Responsibilities
- Product Development and Innovation Support
Apply in-depth knowledge of Finedale Foods’ manufacturing capabilities, processes, and limitations to guide development efforts. Demonstrate passion for product innovation by tracking industry trends within the frozen food industry, leveraging design and trend insights to inspire new products. Assist if required with taste panels to ensure products meet specifications and QA standards.
- Technical Customer Support
Assist with technical customer requests, including providing information and managing sample requests.
NPD Project Manager in Norfolk employer: Finedale Foods Ltd
Contact Detail:
Finedale Foods Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Project Manager in Norfolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Show your passion for product innovation and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their NPD projects. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about what they do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience with project management and how you’ve successfully driven product launches in the past. We love candidates who can articulate their value and fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Finedale Foods.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Project Manager in Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Product Development: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for product innovation shine through! Share examples of how you've turned creative ideas into successful projects, especially in the food industry. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about what they do.
Be Clear and Concise: Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use bullet points where possible to highlight your key achievements and skills relevant to NPD project management. We appreciate clarity and organisation in applications!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the specific role at Finedale Foods. Mention how your experience aligns with our needs, especially around managing projects from concept to launch. We want to see that you understand the role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes straight to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Finedale Foods Ltd
✨Know Your NPD Basics
Make sure you brush up on the fundamentals of New Product Development (NPD). Understand the stage gate process and be ready to discuss how you've managed projects from concept to launch in the past. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Since the role involves turning customer briefs into exciting new products, come prepared with examples of your creative problem-solving skills. Think of a time when you took a unique approach to a project and be ready to share how it led to a successful outcome.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Risk Management
Finedale Foods is looking for someone who can proactively identify and mitigate risks. Prepare specific examples of challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you navigated them. This will demonstrate your diligence and determination to deliver projects on time and within budget.
✨Understand the Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in the frozen food industry. Be ready to discuss how these trends can influence product development and innovation. Showing that you’re passionate about the industry will set you apart as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in contributing to Finedale Foods’ success.