At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting NPD projects and create innovative snack products that consumers will love.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking food manufacturer with a passion for innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and ongoing investment in your development.
- Other info: This role offers excellent career growth in a dynamic and creative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of snacking while working with major retailers.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
NPD Manager
Sector
Food Manufacturing
Location
East Midlands | Commutable from Kettering, Wellingborough, Market Harborough & surrounding areas
Employment Type
Full-time | Permanent | Onsite
Salary
To be discussed
Hours
Monday to Friday | Flexible start times i SQ Recruitment are working with a trusted recruitment partner to support an ambitious and forward-thinking food manufacturer with their search for an
NPD Manager . You will play a key role in shaping the next generation of innovative snack products.
This is an excellent opportunity for a food-focused NPD professional to take ownership of a varied portfolio of NPD and EPD projects, working across a broad range of snack products and formats.
* Please note
- This is a fully site-based position with no hybrid working.
- Applicants must have full Right to Work in the UK as visa sponsorship is not available.
- A full UK driving licence and own vehicle are essential.
- Occasional travel to customer head offices may be required, with expenses covered.
The Role - NPD Manager
Key Responsibilities
- Manage multiple NPD and EDP projects from initial brief through to launch.
- Develop new products, flavours, coatings, shapes and formats across a range of snack products.
- Work directly with major retail customers, presenting concepts, prototypes and project updates.
- Manage customer expectations, handle objections and communicate effectively around project challenges or delays.
- Constructively challenge customer requirements where necessary.
- Work closely with Commercial, Category, Production and Technical teams to deliver successful projects.
- Identify opportunities through consumer, category and wider food industry trends.
- Ensure projects meet commercial, technical, quality and manufacturing requirements and remain on track against agreed timescales.
- Bring creative ideas and a genuine passion for food innovation to the development process.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Company Pension Scheme
- Flexible start times
- Monday to Friday working
- Expenses covered for occasional customer travel
- Ongoing investment in manufacturing and product development
- Employee recognition and development initiatives
- Death in Service
About You
- Proven experience in food manufacturing
/ food NPD.
- Strong customer-facing experience, ideally with major retailers or large food customers.
- Confident presenting to customers and explaining development decisions.
- Experience managing multiple NPD projects simultaneously.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Commercially aware and confident challenging requirements when necessary.
- Good understanding of food product development and manufacturing.
- Passionate about food, innovation and emerging consumer trends.
- Highly organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities effectively.
Why This Role?
This is more than a traditional product development position.
You'll have the opportunity to work on a high volume of live NPD and EDP projects, engage directly with major retail customers and influence the development of products across a broad and evolving snacking portfolio.
The business is continuing to invest significantly in its manufacturing capability, equipment and product development, creating an environment where new ideas and innovation are encouraged.
To apply, please click
Apply .
i SQ Recruitment Ltd is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.
NPD Manager employer: ISQ Recruitment Careers
As a leading food manufacturer in the East Midlands, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to take ownership of their projects. With competitive salaries, flexible working hours, and a strong commitment to employee development, we provide an environment where creativity thrives and new ideas are welcomed. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to shaping the future of snacking while enjoying the benefits of a supportive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager
✨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 ISQ Recruitment Careers.
✨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 ISQ Recruitment Careers!
✨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 ISQ Recruitment Careers, 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 ISQ Recruitment Careers, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at ISQ Recruitment Careers, 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 ISQ Recruitment Careers.
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 ISQ Recruitment Careers. 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 ISQ Recruitment Careers. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at ISQ Recruitment Careers
✨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 ISQ Recruitment Careers’s mission.
