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- Tasks: Lead product development from concept to manufacturing in a dynamic pet food environment.
- Company: Join Inspired Pet Nutrition, an award-winning pet food manufacturer with a passion for quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible benefits, and perks like free hot drinks and bring your dog to work.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team making a real impact in the pet food industry.
- Qualifications: Looking for strong communicators with project management experience and a knack for problem-solving.
- Other info: Based in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, this full-time role offers a 15% annual bonus and generous holidays.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Product and Process Development Manager – Manufacturing, Thirsk
Client: Inspired Pet Nutrition
Location: Thirsk, United Kingdom
Job Category: Other
EU work permit required: Yes
Job Reference: 27d170498a46
Job Views: 9
Posted: 18.07.2025
Expiry Date: 01.09.2025
Job Description:
The Role:
Product and Process Development Manager, based in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, for our pet food manufacturing plant. This is a permanent position offering a competitive salary and benefits.
The Opportunity:
Oversee and manage the manufacturing process of new products and the improvement of existing processes within IPN. Ensure all guidelines are designed and approved to meet product specifications within critical timelines and launch deadlines. Deliver successful product launches and serve as the primary contact for the commercial team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with the nutrition team to develop recipes and with Operations to define running guidelines, ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards.
- Analyze current operational processes to identify opportunities for quality or cost improvements through continuous improvement initiatives.
- Design, refine, and test new product concepts to ensure feasibility, sustainability, and alignment with commercial targets.
- Lead feasibility meetings and internal reviews, keeping site teams informed and ensuring follow-up actions are completed.
- Act as the operational lead during product implementation, tracking progress and resolving issues to meet launch timelines.
- Ensure product quality and operational delivery align with the commercial brief, including quality, operational efficiency, and margin targets.
Skills & Experience:
- Graduate level education in Consumer Science or equivalent, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality, sustainable, and commercial products.
- Ability to lead multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
- Understanding of food manufacturing principles and feasibility of proposals.
- Strong brand values and recognition as a food authority.
The Offer:
- Location: Thirsk, North Yorkshire
- 15% annual bonus scheme
- Hours: 37.5 hours/week, Monday to Friday
- Pension: 3% employee / 8% employer contributions
- Holidays: 25 days + Bank Holidays
- Additional benefits include private medical, life assurance, flexible benefits, and discounts.
Company Overview:
Inspired Pet Nutrition is an innovative, award-winning pet food manufacturer with over 850 employees across four UK sites. Our brands include Harringtons, Wagg, Barking Heads & Meowing Heads, AATU, Blink, Butchers, Classic Cat, and partner brands, producing a variety of pet foods enjoyed worldwide.
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Product and Process Development Manager - Manufacturing employer: Inspired Pet Nutrition
Contact Detail:
Inspired Pet Nutrition Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product and Process Development Manager - Manufacturing
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the pet food industry and the specific products offered by Inspired Pet Nutrition. Understanding their brands and product lines will help you demonstrate your passion and knowledge during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the manufacturing and product development sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who may have insights or connections at Inspired Pet Nutrition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams and managed timelines, as these skills are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest trends in food safety and regulatory compliance within the pet food industry. Being knowledgeable about these topics will show that you're proactive and serious about ensuring quality in product development.
We think you need these skills to ace Product and Process Development Manager - Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in product and process development, especially in manufacturing. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the specific requirements of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the pet food industry and your understanding of the role. Mention specific projects or achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Cross-Functional Experience: Since the role involves collaboration across various departments, emphasise any experience you have working in cross-functional teams. Provide examples of how you successfully managed projects that required input from multiple stakeholders.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, include examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. This could involve discussing how you managed project timelines, mitigated risks, or optimised processes, which are key aspects of the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspired Pet Nutrition
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
As a Product and Process Development Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your project management expertise. Prepare examples of past projects where you successfully led cross-functional teams, managed timelines, and delivered results. Highlight your ability to drive collaboration and ensure smooth product launches.
✨Understand the Manufacturing Process
Familiarise yourself with the manufacturing processes relevant to pet food production. Be ready to discuss how you would approach industrial trials and scale-up from concept to factory. Showing a solid understanding of equipment readiness and process controls will impress the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Compliance and Quality Assurance
Quality and compliance are crucial in this role. Be prepared to talk about your experience with regulatory compliance and quality management systems. Discuss how you've ensured food safety and implemented corrective actions post-launch in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Problem-Solving Skills
Analytical skills are key for this position. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've used data analysis to validate process parameters or improve product quality. Highlight your problem-solving abilities and how you've optimised processes in past projects.