At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative NPD projects from concept to launch in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a high-growth fresh food manufacturer with ambitious plans and significant market presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and the chance to influence product innovation.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with visibility across the business and exposure to senior leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product development and work closely with major UK retailers.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing NPD and strong project management skills required.
We’re partnering with a high-growth fresh food manufacturer to recruit an NPD Manager into a well-established innovation and product development function. The business specialises in fresh, convenient produce products, manufacturing at significant scale for many of the UK’s leading grocery retailers. It has grown substantially over recent years, with annual revenues comfortably above £100m, and continues to invest in its manufacturing capability, innovation function and future growth. This is a particularly good time to join. The business has ambitious plans to grow both in the UK and internationally, while continuing to develop its relationships with major retail customers. For someone who loves NPD, there is a lot to get their teeth into.
About the Role
This is a customer-facing NPD leadership role with responsibility for taking a portfolio of projects from the initial retailer brief all the way through to factory launch and post-launch review. You won’t simply be handed a brief and asked to deliver it. The business wants its NPD team to challenge customers, bring ideas to the table and influence what the next generation of products looks like. You’ll also lead the project-management side of the NPD function, with responsibility for developing members of the team beneath you.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing multiple retailer NPD projects from brief to launch
- Acting as a key NPD contact for major grocery customers
- Building relationships directly with retailer NPD teams
- Receiving, interpreting and challenging customer briefs
- Leading retailer brainstorming and innovation sessions
- Working with Category and Innovation to identify emerging consumer and market opportunities
- Coordinating Technical, Commercial, Procurement, Packaging, Finance and Operations to deliver launches
- Supporting customer tenders and new business opportunities
- Leading factory trials and ensuring products transition successfully into manufacturing
- Managing product launches against agreed time, quality and commercial targets
- Reviewing launches after implementation and identifying opportunities to improve performance
- Benchmarking your products against competitors and identifying where they can be better
- Ensuring NPD delivers commercially viable products and improved margins
- Leading and developing NPD team members
The remit goes beyond traditional project management. Success is measured against things that actually matter commercially — including revenue generated through NPD, improved product margins, successful launches and growth with key customers.
Why Join?
There are plenty of NPD roles where you’re effectively managing critical paths and chasing people for samples. This isn’t one of them. You’ll be joining a sizeable, profitable and ambitious food manufacturer operating in a category with plenty of room for innovation. The business supplies major UK retailers, has significant manufacturing capability and is continuing to invest behind its growth. There is also a genuine opportunity to influence the customer, rather than simply respond to them. You’ll work on everything from new product concepts and formats through to packaging, ingredients, manufacturing methods and improvements to existing ranges. You’ll have visibility across the business, regular exposure to senior leadership and the opportunity to make a measurable contribution to its growth. The existing brief specifically includes providing senior leadership with updates on the NPD pipeline and using innovation to maximise growth opportunities.
About You
We’re looking for someone who knows food manufacturing NPD and understands what it takes to turn a good concept into a commercially successful product at scale. You’ll ideally bring:
- Several years' NPD / product development experience within food manufacturing
- Experience working with major UK grocery retailers
- A strong track record of taking products from brief through trial and launch
- Strong customer-facing skills
- Experience managing multiple projects and critical paths
- Good commercial understanding - particularly around cost, margin and viability
- Experience leading or developing others
- The confidence to challenge both internal stakeholders and customers
- A combination of creativity and strong project discipline
A food-related degree would be advantageous, but the real priority is a strong track record of retailer launches within food manufacturing. If you’re an NPD Manager or a high-performing Senior NPD professional looking for a bigger platform - this is an opportunity to join a £100m+ manufacturer with major retail customers, genuine growth ambitions and an NPD function that sits right at the heart of that growth.
NPD Manager in Gravesend employer: Gregory Walker Associates
Join a leading player in the UK food manufacturing sector, where your role as Facilities Manager will not only ensure the smooth operation of essential equipment but also contribute to sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint. With a strong emphasis on employee development and a collaborative work culture, this company offers competitive benefits and a supportive environment for growth, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a meaningful career in a dynamic industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager in Gravesend
✨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 Gregory Walker Associates.
✨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 Gregory Walker Associates!
✨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 Gregory Walker Associates, 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 Gregory Walker Associates, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager in Gravesend
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Gregory Walker Associates, 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 Gregory Walker Associates.
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 Gregory Walker Associates. 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 Gregory Walker Associates. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gregory Walker Associates
✨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 Gregory Walker Associates’s mission.
