At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead new product development from concept to launch in the food manufacturing sector.
- Company: Join a growing food manufacturer with strong ties to major UK retailers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for innovation.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by creating exciting new food products that meet market demands.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD within food manufacturing and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Do you have experience leading new product development within chilled food or meat manufacturing?
Can you take products from initial concept and recipe development through factory trials, customer approval and launch?
Are you commercially minded, hands-on and confident working directly with major retail customers?
Mac Gregor Black are partnering with an established food manufacturing business on the search for an
NPD Manager . This is a permanent, hybrid-based role in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
This is a newly created position offering the opportunity to establish and lead a dedicated NPD function within a successful, growing manufacturer.
The business has developed strong relationships with major UK retailers and is now investing in its innovation capability to support further growth.
The NPD Manager will take ownership of the end-to-end product development process, turning customer briefs and market opportunities into high-quality, commercially viable products.
Initially, the role will play a central part in a major range renovation programme before building a more structured, proactive innovation pipeline.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead new products from initial concept and recipe development through trials, launch and post-launch review.
- Create commercially viable recipes that meet customer, quality and manufacturing requirements.
- Manage the NPD critical path, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to the agreed brief.
- Lead kitchen and factory trials, working closely with Technical, Commercial, Operations and Procurement.
- Support a significant reformulation programme across the existing product portfolio.
- Build strong relationships with retail customers, presenting concepts, samples and development updates.
- Ensure products meet food safety, legislative, allergen and customer-specific requirements.
- Assess factory feasibility, raw-material utilisation, yield, cost and margin throughout development.
- Introduce greater structure, pace and accountability across the NPD process.
- Identify proactive innovation opportunities based on consumer trends, customer insight and market activity.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven NPD or product development experience within food manufacturing.
- Experience taking products from concept through factory scale-up and commercial launch.
- A strong understanding of recipe development, ingredients, allergens and food legislation.
- Experience within meat, protein or chilled food manufacturing would be highly advantageous.
- Exposure to major UK retail customers and retailer-led development processes.
- Strong project management skills with experience managing critical paths and multiple launches.
- A practical, hands-on approach and confidence working within a fast-paced factory environment.
- Commercial awareness, including product costing, margin and manufacturing feasibility.
- Strong communication and influencing skills across Technical, Commercial and Operational teams.
- A food-related degree or equivalent industry experience.
- Salary £45k
- For further information, please contact
Alice Redmond at Mac Gregor Black .
NPD Manager in Lisburn employer: MacGregor Black
MacGregor Black is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and dynamic work environment in our Newcastle & Leeds offices. We prioritise employee growth through tailored development programmes and a meritocratic bonus structure, ensuring that your hard work is recognised and rewarded. Join us to become an expert in the recruitment industry while enjoying significant benefits and a supportive culture that fosters long-term career aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager in Lisburn
✨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 NPD Manager in Lisburn
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.
