At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative food product development from concept to launch in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a leading food manufacturer committed to quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Secure employment, ongoing training, staff discounts, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Hands-on role with opportunities for personal growth and industry exposure.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food products while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD within food manufacturing and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
A leading food manufacturing business in County Down is seeking an experienced NPD Manager to join its innovation team. Operating within a fast paced food production environment, the business is committed to developing high quality products that respond to evolving consumer trends, retailer demands and market opportunities. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future product portfolio of a well established and growing food manufacturer.
As NPD Manager, you will take ownership of the end-to-end product development process, leading new product projects from concept generation through to successful launch. Working closely with Technical, Operations, Commercial and Finance teams, you will build and manage a structured innovation pipeline, ensuring products are commercially viable, operationally deliverable and compliant with food safety and legal requirements.
You will be responsible for identifying emerging consumer and retailer trends, translating these into innovative product concepts and overseeing product trials, factory scale runs and launch activities. The role will also involve collaborating with customers, supporting commercial growth opportunities, maintaining awareness of industry developments and ensuring all new products meet allergen, nutritional, labelling and legislative requirements. This is a hands-on role offering a blend of creativity, project management and stakeholder engagement within a highly collaborative environment.
What you'll need to succeed:
- Proven experience within a New Product Development role in food manufacturing, ideally within fresh or chilled food production
- A track record of successfully taking products from concept through to commercial launch
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance innovation, margins and operational capability
- Hands-on experience leading product trials and working closely with technical and production teams
- Excellent stakeholder management and presentation skills, with the confidence to engage customers and senior leadership teams
- A genuine passion for food innovation, consumer trends, health and product provenance
- A collaborative and practical approach, comfortable working both in development kitchens and on the factory floor
What you'll get in return:
- Secure, permanent employment within a growing and innovative food manufacturing business
- Opportunity to lead and shape the company's future product development pipeline
- Supportive working environment with a strong focus on collaboration and continuous improvement
- Ongoing training and development opportunities through an established learning and development programme
- Free onsite parking, staff discount scheme and a Cycle to Work programme
- The opportunity to work within a diverse and supportive team where innovation and personal development are actively encouraged
- Exposure to key retail and food service customers while helping drive growth through new product innovation
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
NPD Manager in London employer: Hays
Join a vibrant secondary school that prioritises excellence in education and fosters a supportive community for both students and staff. As the Head of Mathematics, you will benefit from a competitive salary, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and growth. This role not only allows you to lead a dedicated team but also to make a significant impact on student achievement in a welcoming environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager in London
✨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 Hays.
✨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 Hays!
✨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 Hays, 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 Hays, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Hays, 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 Hays.
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 Hays. 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 Hays. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨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 Hays’s mission.
