At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting new product development projects from concept to launch in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a growing food manufacturing business that values collaboration and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discretionary bonus, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a company that invests in your development and values continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping project governance and driving innovation in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management within food manufacturing and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 53000 £ per year.
A growing food manufacturing business is looking to appoint an NPD Projects Manager to join its Operations team, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. This is a newly created role designed to bring greater structure, visibility and governance to the delivery of new product development and customer launch projects. Acting as the central point of coordination, you will ensure projects are effectively planned, communicated and delivered, whilst keeping stakeholders aligned from concept through to successful commercial launch.
Working closely with NPD, Operations, Commercial, Technical, Procurement and outsourced manufacturing partners, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating multiple concurrent projects, managing timelines, mitigating risks and ensuring project priorities remain on track. This is a highly collaborative role that combines project management with relationship building. You'll bring people together, create momentum across teams, and ensure projects move forward through clear communication, practical governance and strong stakeholder engagement.
What You'll Be Doing
- Coordinate the successful delivery of NPD, customer launch and innovation projects from concept through to commercial launch
- Own and develop the company's Product Development project governance framework and stage-gate process
- Manage multiple cross-functional projects simultaneously, ensuring milestones, actions and deliverables are achieved
- Chair project review meetings and provide clear reporting on project progress, risks and key decisions
- Build strong relationships across NPD, Commercial, Operations, Technical, Procurement and outsourced manufacturing partners
- Drive accountability across project teams, ensuring actions are completed and issues are resolved promptly
- Support the Chief Operating Officer with wider business improvement projects where structured project management is required
- Maintain clear communication with all project stakeholders, ensuring everyone remains aligned throughout the development process
- Champion continuous improvement by reviewing completed projects and identifying opportunities to strengthen project delivery and governance
- Balance robust project governance with the flexibility needed to support commercial priorities and customer requirements
What's In It for You
- A newly created role with real influence over how projects are delivered across the business
- The opportunity to work closely with the Chief Operating Officer on strategic business initiatives
- Exposure to customer innovation, product launches and cross-functional business projects
- The opportunity to shape project governance within a growing and highly collaborative organisation
Your Background
- Demonstrable project management experience within a food manufacturing business
- Experience coordinating multiple concurrent projects involving cross-functional teams and external stakeholders
- Strong understanding of project governance, planning, risk management and project reporting
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence without direct authority
- Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-moving environment
- Commercially minded, balancing structured governance with a pragmatic approach to delivery
- Experience working with outsourced manufacturing partners or customer-led product development programmes would be advantageous
This is an opportunity to join a growing food manufacturing business where collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement sit at the heart of the organisation. You'll play a key role in delivering new products to market, improving project governance and supporting the business through its next phase of growth. If you enjoy bringing people together, driving projects forward and building strong relationships across a business, we would love to hear from you.
Locations
NPD Project Manager in South Nutfield, Surrey employer: Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd
Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values reliability and hands-on experience. Employees benefit from a structured temp-to-perm pathway, ensuring job security and opportunities for growth within the thriving manufacturing sector of Littlehampton/Rustington. With a focus on high-quality standards and teamwork, this role provides a rewarding environment for those looking to develop their skills in metal finishing.
Contact Details:
Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Project Manager in South Nutfield, Surrey
✨Join Food Science Communities
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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 Recruitment Solutions Ltd, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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We think you need these skills to ace NPD Project Manager in South Nutfield, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd, 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 Recruitment Solutions Ltd.
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 Recruitment Solutions Ltd. 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 Recruitment Solutions Ltd. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd
✨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 Recruitment Solutions Ltd’s mission.
