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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 a competitive salary, career growth, and a creative work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of innovation, turning customer ideas into delicious products.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and a passion for food innovation.
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.
- 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.
- Line-manage the product development team and/or manage external resources as needed to support product development and project objectives.
- 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.
- Assist with technical customer requests, including providing information and managing sample requests.
NPD Project Manager 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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. Understand their brand values and recent launches, so you can show how your skills align with their goals. We want to see your passion for product innovation!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in NPD project management can drive success at Finedale Foods. Highlight your ability to manage projects from concept to launch and your knack for collaboration.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at Finedale Foods.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Project Manager
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: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to highlight your key achievements and skills relevant to NPD project management. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you're a great fit!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the NPD Project Manager role. Highlight your experience with project management frameworks and any specific knowledge of the frozen food industry. We want to know how your background aligns with our needs!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Finedale Foods!
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 Project Management Skills
Prepare to talk about specific projects you've managed, focusing on how you developed project plans, set timelines, and coordinated teams. Use examples that highlight your ability to identify risks and ensure timely delivery within budget. This will demonstrate your diligence and determination to deliver successful projects.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Finedale Foods
Do your homework on Finedale Foods and their product lines. Understanding their brand and market position will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in the role. Mention any relevant trends in the frozen food industry that could inspire new product ideas during your interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Since the role involves technical support and quality management, be ready to answer questions related to BRC audits, HACCP processes, and nutritional data. Brush up on these topics so you can confidently discuss how you would support the technical team and ensure compliance with quality standards.