At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and launch of innovative food products across multiple categories.
- Company: Established UK food retailer with a strong presence in the South.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with the chance to manage multiple exciting projects.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of food innovation and make a real impact on product offerings.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in NPD, strong project management skills, and experience in food manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About the Company
Our client is a well-established and growing UK food retailer with a strong presence across the South of England.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially focused Multi-Category New Product Development (NPD) Manager to lead the development and launch of innovative products across a broad food portfolio.
The Role
Reporting to the COO, you will take ownership of the end-to-end product development process, managing multiple projects simultaneously from concept through to successful launch.
Working cross-functionally with Commercial, Operations, Manufacturing, Procurement, Technical, Marketing and Supply Chain teams, you'll ensure new products meet customer expectations while delivering operational excellence and commercial success.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the complete NPD process from concept through to launch.
- Develop commercially viable products that support business growth.
- Create and manage category innovation pipelines.
- Identify emerging food trends and translate them into successful retail products.
- Develop seasonal promotions and limited-time offers.
- Continuously improve existing products through reformulation, quality improvements and cost optimisation.
- Own and manage multiple product critical paths.
- Coordinate cross-functional project teams to deliver launches on time and within budget.
- Work closely with manufacturing partners and production teams through factory trials and first production runs.
- Ensure products are operationally achievable without compromising quality.
- Monitor product performance following launch and recommend continuous improvements.
- Support value engineering initiatives while maintaining product quality and customer appeal.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, allergen, nutritional and quality standards.
About You
You'll be an experienced NPD professional with a passion for food innovation and a strong commercial mindset.
You'll thrive in a fast-paced environment and be comfortable managing multiple development projects simultaneously.
Essential Experience
- Minimum five years' experience in New Product Development.
- Experience across multiple food categories.
- Strong project management skills.
- Experience within food manufacturing or retail food production.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Commercial awareness with the ability to balance innovation and profitability.
- Experience managing product critical paths and multiple concurrent projects
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Npd Manager in Hertford
✨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!
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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 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 Hertford
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.
