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- Tasks: Lead innovative product development in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
- Company: High-growth FMCG brand focused on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, part-time flexibility, and hybrid work options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by bringing exciting new products to life.
- Qualifications: Strong technical background in food/beverage and project management skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 46000 ÂŁ per year.
Ignite are thrilled to partner with a high‑growth FMCG brand on the search for a NPD Manager. This business is scaling quickly, expanding its product portfolio, and investing heavily in innovation. They are now looking for a technical expert to own the full NPD and technical pipeline, ensuring all new products land with excellence, compliance and quality at the core.
This role sits at the heart of the organisation, working cross‑functionally with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, Commercial and external co‑manufacturers to bring new concepts to life. You’ll be responsible for technical integrity, regulatory compliance, spec management, and delivering projects on time and to the highest quality.
If you are passionate about product development, love solving complex technical challenges, and thrive in a fast‑paced FMCG environment, this is an exciting opportunity to truly make an impact.
What will you be doing?
- Leading recipe development and optimisation, ensuring robust technical standards
- Owning technical compliance across UK/EU legislation and anticipating regulatory change
- Managing product specifications, formulations and full technical documentation
- Validating packaging artwork, ingredient lists, nutritional data and all claims
- Developing a long‑term Technical Innovation Roadmap and exploring emerging processing technologies
- Assessing “clean label” ingredient alternatives and next‑gen formulation opportunities
- Running NPD projects end‑to‑end, building timelines, managing risk and driving cross‑functional alignment
- Acting as technical lead with co‑manufacturers, coordinating factory trials, feasibility work & first productions
- Overseeing quality processes including batch testing, traceability, shelf‑life verification and sensory work
- Improving NPD processes as the business continues to scale
What skills do you need?
- Strong technical background in food or beverage
- Experience in NPD, technical development or technical project management
- Excellent project management capability with the ability to run multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong understanding of food regulations and labelling requirements
- Experience working with co‑manufacturers and cross‑functional teams
- Highly organised, collaborative and solutions-focused
People are at the heart of everything we do. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process that means people can be their best authentic self.
We would love to reply to all applications, regrettably we are unable to do so due to the high volumes we receive, so if you do not hear back within 14 days unfortunately on this role it won’t be progressing. It is possible that the position could be in the process of closing, so chalk it up to bad timing. But, have no fear! There will be more opportunities. Follow us so you don’t miss them.
New Product Development Manager in Chelmsford employer: Ignite
Contact Detail:
Ignite Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development Manager in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the FMCG industry, especially those who work in product development. A casual chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for NPD! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share your excitement about food innovation and how you’ve tackled technical challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you love, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly through our website and express your interest in working with them. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on food regulations and labelling requirements. Being knowledgeable will show you’re serious about the role and ready to hit the ground running.
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Manager in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the NPD Manager role. Highlight your experience in food or beverage product development and any relevant technical projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about product development and how you can contribute to our innovative team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Project Management Skills: Since this role involves managing multiple projects, be sure to highlight your project management capabilities. Share examples of how you've successfully led projects from start to finish, especially in fast-paced environments like FMCG.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ignite
✨Know Your NPD Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and innovations in the FMCG sector, especially within food and beverage. Brush up on recent product launches and be ready to discuss how they align with the company's goals.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Prepare to demonstrate your understanding of technical compliance and regulatory standards. Bring examples of past projects where you ensured quality and compliance, and be ready to discuss how you tackled any challenges.
✨Project Management is Key
Since this role involves managing multiple projects, be prepared to talk about your project management experience. Use specific examples to illustrate how you’ve successfully led projects from concept to launch, highlighting your organisational skills.
✨Collaboration is Crucial
This position requires working cross-functionally, so think of examples where you’ve collaborated with different teams. Be ready to discuss how you’ve built relationships with co-manufacturers and other stakeholders to drive successful outcomes.