At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to develop innovative, high-quality food products for the grocery retail market.
- Company: Join a dynamic Food Manufacturing Business focused on creating savoury food solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of around £90K and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: This is a permanent role based in Cambridgeshire, perfect for creative leaders.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of food innovation, shaping products that meet customer needs and market trends.
- Qualifications: Experience in food development, team management, and strong knowledge of food safety regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 126000 £ per year.
Do you have experience developing multiple-ingredient, savoury food solutions? Are you a proven leader, who can nurture and develop talent, within a high-performance environment? Are you able to combine both analytical and creative thinking, as a head of new product development, championing best-in-class product lines across the UK grocery retail sector?
MacGregor Black are partnering with a Food Manufacturing Business, on the search for a Head of NPD. This is a permanent role based in Cambridgeshire.
As Head of NPD you will lead the development of innovative, high-quality food products, ensuring they align with customer requirements and business capabilities. You will oversee a team, working to bring commercially successful products to a grocery retail market.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead and inspire the development team, fostering creativity and excellence.
- Develop commercially viable, high-quality products aligned with customer briefs, market trends, and operational capabilities.
- Ensure all concepts are feasible for production and packaging through close collaboration with operations and technical teams.
- Lead across both concept generation, technical and commercial aspects for NPD.
- Stay ahead of food trends, consumer insights, and competitor benchmarking to drive innovation.
- Successful transition of products from concept to launch, meeting operational and financial targets.
- Effective leadership and development of the team.
- Strong background in food development with experience in short shelf life, protein, and major grocery retail.
- Proven ability to manage and develop a team.
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of cost management.
- Excellent communication and project management skills.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, regulations, and technical requirements.
Salary: Circa £90K
Please contact Lauren Waugh for further information.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of New Product Development
✨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 MacGregor Black.
✨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 MacGregor Black!
✨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 MacGregor Black, 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 MacGregor Black, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of New Product Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at MacGregor Black, 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 MacGregor Black.
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 MacGregor Black. 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 MacGregor Black. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at MacGregor Black
✨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 MacGregor Black’s mission.
