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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the NPD team and manage product development from concept to launch.
- Company: Join a dynamic company focused on innovative food products and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting product innovations that impact the food industry and meet consumer needs.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in product development with HACCP and Food Safety qualifications required.
- Other info: Flexibility to travel for meetings and site visits is essential.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 64000 £ per year.
Job Description
Product Development Manager
Location: Leeming Bar
Salary: £55,000 per annum
Type: Permanent
Hours: Monday – Friday
Purpose:
The Product Development Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the NPD (New Product Development) department. They will oversee all product development activities from concept to launch, ensuring that all products are safe, legally compliant, and meet customer expectations and requirements. In addition to product innovation, the role involves contributing to the development and optimisation of manufacturing processes. The manager will build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customers to support successful project delivery and long-term business growth.
Duties:
Manage, mentor, and support the development of the NPD Team.
Deputise for the Head of NPD as required, supporting leadership continuity across the department.
Develop new recipes in collaboration with the Head of NPD, both internally and with flavour houses, in response to customer briefs.
Translate market trends into commercially viable concepts, both for branded projects and proactive customer proposals.
Adapt recipes to meet factory requirements and support the scale-up and optimisation of manufacturing processes.
Manage multiple product development projects from concept through to launch, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to specification.
Create and maintain detailed project timelines (critical paths) to drive accountability and transparency across departments.
Coordinate and manage all product trials and first productions, ensuring successful handover to operations.
Attend and contribute to customer and supplier meetings, responding to queries and supporting ongoing development projects.
Present new product concepts and final developments to customers.
Write and approve finished product specifications in accordance with customer and legal requirements.
Review and approve product artworks, ensuring they are accurate and compliant.
Support the supplier and raw material approval process where necessary.
Ensure all development work is conducted in full compliance with BRCGS requirements, customer standards and relevant food legislation.
Remain up to date with food industry regulations and act as a member of the HACCP team.
Maintain accurate production documentation for all products, including management of case and pallet label controls.
Gather and review production data from trials and launches to support continuous improvement initiatives.
Conduct regular benchmarking and research into market trends, emerging ingredients, and evolving consumer preferences.
Use insight to inform NPD pipeline planning and inspire new concept creation.
Flexibility to travel to customers, suppliers, or manufacturing sites as required by the role.
Requirements:
5+ years’ experience in a development role
Level 4 HACCP and Level 4 Food Safety within Manufacturing qualifications
Strong attention to detail
Experience of working with retailers and/or brands.
Be able to prioritize where applicable and work to deadlines.
A good knowledge of the manufacturing process.
Knowledge of food safety regulations, including HACCP and BRC requirements
Ability to use specification systems and software for managing technical documents.
Provide technical support to enable the business to meet food safety, legality, and specific customer requirements.
For more information please get in touch with Imperial Recruitment Group
Product Development Manager employer: Imperial Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Imperial Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in product development and food safety regulations. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a fast-paced industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food industry, especially those involved in product development. Attend relevant events or join online forums to build connections that could lead to valuable insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed product development projects in the past. Highlight your ability to meet deadlines and work within budget constraints, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing how you've mentored or supported team members in previous roles. This will be key in demonstrating your capability to manage and develop the NPD team effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in product development, particularly in the food industry. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific projects that align with the responsibilities of the Product Development Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for product development and your understanding of market trends. Mention how your experience aligns with the company's goals and how you can contribute to their NPD team.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, especially your Level 4 HACCP and Food Safety certifications. This will demonstrate your commitment to food safety and compliance, which are crucial for this role.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills: Provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects from concept to launch. Detail your ability to create project timelines and coordinate with various stakeholders, as these are key aspects of the job.
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial Recruitment Group
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Product Development Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored teams in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Knowledge
Make sure you have a solid understanding of food safety regulations, HACCP, and BRC requirements. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in product development.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of specific instances where you've had to adapt recipes or manage multiple projects under tight deadlines, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Research Market Trends
Stay updated on current market trends and emerging ingredients in the food industry. Be prepared to share insights on how these trends can influence product development and how you would incorporate them into your work.
