At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative food projects from concept to market, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Dynamic food company focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Further education support, bike scheme, long service awards, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food innovation while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; 5-10 years in NPD or product development.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
NPD Manager (Contract)
Location
York, England, United Kingdom
Type
Contract (3-6 months)
Work Arrangement
Fully on-site with flexibility to work 4-5 days per week
Role Overview
This role will lead the successful delivery of approved innovation, renovation and cost optimisation projects through the Develop, Validate, Launch and Grow stages of the Kepak Stage Gate process for the site.
It will be accountable for translating approved innovation opportunities into commercially viable, scalable and launch-ready products that meet customer, operational and financial requirements.
Working cross-functionally with Innovation, Commercial, Operations, Technical, Procurement and Supply Chain teams, the role ensures projects are delivered safely, efficiently and at pace while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure project plans, critical paths, risks and resources are managed effectively to deliver projects on time and within budget.
- Lead factory trials, product validation activities and launch readiness reviews to ensure robust execution.
- Ensure all projects meet technical, regulatory, food safety and customer requirements.
- Drive right-first-time execution and speed to market through effective planning and cross-functional collaboration.
- Challenge existing processes and identify opportunities to improve project delivery, efficiency and organisational capability.
- Support the translation of innovation concepts into products that deliver against customer expectations and operational capability.
- Lead and develop the site-based R&D team, building capability, driving continuous improvement and ensuring resources are aligned to deliver strategic business priorities.
Requirements
- Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Food Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Additional qualifications in project management, quality management, or business management are advantageous.
- 5-10+ years' experience in food NPD, product innovation, or product development roles. Experience in Meat Processing is desirable.
- Proven track record of successfully launching products from concept to market.
- Experience working with food manufacturers, FMCG companies, retailers, or food service businesses.
- Strong communication skills and experience presenting concepts and products to senior leadership and customers.
Benefits
- Further Education support
- Dedicated L&D Team
- Bike to Work Scheme – You can buy a bike and safety equipment through a salary sacrifice scheme which reduces your taxable income – meaning you pay less tax!
- Long Service Awards – We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees
- BUPA Cash plan free of charge
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
NPD Manager employer: Gofractional
Gofractional is an exceptional employer that prioritises a positive candidate experience and fosters a collaborative work culture in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills while working with cutting-edge recruitment technologies. Join us to be part of a team that values kindness, innovation, and the continuous improvement of hiring practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out food technology fairs and local agricultural shows. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting employers like Gofractional face-to-face. Bring your enthusiasm, and don’t be shy to ask questions about their work!
✨Join Industry-Specific Groups
Dive into social media groups and forums focused on food science and technology. Networking with professionals already in the game can help us get the inside scoop on temporary roles, including those at Gofractional.
✨Consider Seasonal Opportunities
Since this is a temporary role, keep an eye on seasonal hiring times when food companies ramp up for production cycles. Check out companies like Gofractional during these periods, as they often look for extra support.
✨Got Skills? Show Them Off!
If you’ve got a knack for lab work or product testing, create a mini portfolio of your projects and experiences. It's a great way to stand out when chatting with hiring managers at Gofractional. Plus, it’s perfect for showcasing your practical skills!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:In the food science and technology field, it’s all about the nitty-gritty details. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant coursework, labs, or projects that showcase your technical skills in food processing, safety, or product development. Don't forget to mention any specific techniques or technologies you're comfortable with – they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Project:Since this is a temporary role, make your cover letter shine by focusing on your motivation and how you can contribute to Gofractional immediately. Highlight your adaptability and any relevant experiences that make you a perfect fit for this specific project – employers love to see that enthusiasm and readiness to dive straight in!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any food safety or quality control certifications, make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These badges of honour can give us – and Gofractional – confidence in your skills and commitment to maintaining high standards in the lab or in production.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Food science is often a team sport, so weave in examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others during your studies or previous jobs. Whether it was group projects or internships, showcasing your ability to work well with others and communicate effectively can really strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gofractional
✨Brush Up on Food Safety Standards
In the food science and technology field, it's crucial to understand food safety regulations and standards, such as HACCP. Make sure you're ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous projects, even if they were part of your studies. They might ask you specific questions about handling food safely, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some hands-on assessments or scenario-based questions during your interview with Gofractional. They might put you in a situation where you have to propose a food product or troubleshoot a food safety issue on the spot, so practice thinking on your feet and explaining your process clearly.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge of Current Trends
Temporary roles often require you to be up-to-date with the latest trends in food technology, like sustainability or novel processing methods. Be ready to share insights on how you can contribute to Gofractional's projects or products based on your knowledge of emerging trends in the sector.
✨Highlight the Learning Experience
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Share examples of how you've swiftly picked up new skills or technologies in past experiences, whether in your studies or internships. Companies want to see that you can hit the ground running and make an impact, even in a short time!
