At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting NPD projects from concept to launch in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a growing food business that values innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and a supportive team culture with career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with diverse teams and influence product direction.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product development and shape the future of food innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in food product development and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Wiltshire
Salary: £45,000 plus Bonus
Hours: Monday to Friday
Are you an NPD Manager who enjoys turning ideas into finished products that work commercially, technically and operationally? A growing food manufacturing business is looking for an NPD Manager to lead one of its development streams, managing a Development Technologist and taking ownership of key NPD projects from concept through to successful launch. This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing creativity with pace and delivery. You will work closely with category, factory, technical and commercial teams to ensure products are not only exciting and relevant, but also achievable at scale. If you are looking for a position where you can lead projects, support others and see your work make a real impact, this is a strong opportunity to do so.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Take the lead on NPD projects, managing the full lifecycle from concept through to launch
- Lead one of the development streams, supporting and guiding Development Technologists
- Translate ideas and briefs into viable products that meet operational, quality and cost requirements
- Work closely with category teams to understand opportunities, trends and future range direction
- Plan and execute kitchen work, factory trials and product scale up activity
- Manage critical paths, deadlines and launch requirements across multiple projects
- Work closely with factory teams to ensure smooth scale up and successful product delivery
- Collaborate with Technical, Production and Commercial teams to align product and process
- Review and refine existing products to improve quality, efficiency and customer appeal
- Identify gaps and opportunities within the range, contributing to future product direction
- Present concepts, progress and outcomes clearly to stakeholders across the business
- Support continuous improvement within the development function
What’s In It for You
- Opportunity to take ownership of meaningful product development projects
- A senior role leading a development stream and managing a direct report
- Strong cross functional exposure across NPD, category, technical, factory and commercial teams
- Involvement in shaping product range, future launches and wider innovation pipeline
- A business investing in its products, people and manufacturing capability
- Exposure to a growing operation with ongoing site investment and future capacity plans
- Clear opportunity to develop and progress within a stable, long-term environment
- Supportive and collaborative team culture with a strong mix of experienced people and new talent
- Company bonus and a wider employee benefits package
Your Background
- Experience within food product development in a manufacturing environment
- Strong understanding of how products move from kitchen concept to factory production
- Experience managing NPD projects, critical paths, deadlines and launches
- Comfortable working at pace and managing multiple projects at once
- Experience running or supporting factory trials and product scale up
- Commercially aware, with the ability to work closely with category and wider stakeholders
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence different teams
- Creative and foodie, but practical enough to deliver products that work operationally
- Food science or related qualification would be beneficial, but hands-on development experience is more important
- Organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities
- Genuine interest in food, product quality and innovation
Join a Business That Invests in You
You will be joining a business that is focused on developing its product offering, improving capability and continuing to invest in its future. This is an opportunity to lead meaningful projects, work closely with multiple teams and play a key role in delivering products that meet both customer and business expectations. With continued growth across its core markets, ongoing investment into manufacturing capability and a team that combines long-standing knowledge with fresh thinking, this is an environment where you can build a strong long-term career. If you are looking for a role where you can influence product direction, develop your career and be part of a business that values innovation and delivery, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and get in touch with Kimia at Found Food and Drink.
NPD Manager - Food in Bradford-on-Avon employer: Found Food & Drink
Join a well-respected food manufacturer in London that prioritises quality, innovation, and employee development. With a supportive leadership team and a culture that encourages collaboration across departments, this role offers significant opportunities for career progression and the chance to influence purchasing strategies in a dynamic environment. Enjoy a competitive salary and the satisfaction of contributing to a company that values its employees and fosters long-term supplier relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager - Food in Bradford-on-Avon
✨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 Found Food & Drink.
✨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 Found Food & Drink!
✨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 Found Food & Drink, 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 Found Food & Drink, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager - Food in Bradford-on-Avon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Found Food & Drink, 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 Found Food & Drink.
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 Found Food & Drink. 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 Found Food & Drink. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Found Food & Drink
✨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 Found Food & Drink’s mission.
