At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative food product development from concept to launch.
- Company: Premium food business with a collaborative and supportive culture.
- Benefits: Salary up to £50,000, performance bonus, and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Drive food innovation and make a real impact in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Experience in food product development and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
New Product Development Manager – Food Somerset | Up to £50,000 + Bonus + Excellent Benefits
Are you an experienced New Product Development (NPD) Manager with a passion for food innovation? We're recruiting for an exciting opportunity with a premium food business seeking an experienced NPD professional to lead the development of high-quality own-brand food products across a diverse portfolio. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing business where you'll have the autonomy to drive innovation, lead a small team and bring exceptional products to market.
The Role
As New Product Development Manager, you'll oversee the complete product development lifecycle, from concept through to launch, ensuring products meet commercial objectives, quality standards and customer expectations. Working across bakery, dairy, butchery, prepared foods and ambient categories, you'll collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to deliver innovative products while managing multiple development projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end development of new and existing food products.
- Manage multiple NPD projects from concept through to successful launch.
- Assess commercial viability, costings, product formats and critical paths.
- Lead and develop a Junior Product Developer.
- Manage packaging development and artwork approval processes.
- Build strong supplier relationships and negotiate commercial terms where appropriate.
- Monitor food trends, competitor activity and emerging market opportunities.
- Work closely with Technical, Buying, Marketing, Retail and Merchandising teams to deliver successful product launches.
- Ensure products comply with UK food safety, allergen and labelling legislation.
- Manage project timelines, risks and supplier forecasts.
About You
You'll already have experience managing food product development projects and be confident working across multiple product categories within a fast-paced environment.
You’ll have:
- Proven experience in a New Product Development, Product Development or NPD Manager role within the food industry.
- Experience developing chilled, frozen and/or ambient food products.
- Strong commercial awareness and product costing experience.
- Excellent project management and critical path management skills.
- Experience working with suppliers and packaging development.
- Previous leadership or team management experience.
- Good understanding of UK food legislation, food safety and allergen requirements.
- Strong Excel and PowerPoint skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Desirable
- Experience within prepared foods, ready meals or premium food manufacturing.
- Experience working for a premium retailer or food producer.
- Knowledge of AI tools that support product development or commercial analysis.
What’s on Offer?
- Salary up to £50,000
- Performance bonus – Up to 10%
- Excellent benefits package
- Monday to Friday working pattern
- Opportunity to lead innovative food development projects
- Collaborative, supportive and growing business
- Excellent career development opportunities
If you're a commercially minded food product developer looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to find out more about this exciting opportunity.
NPD MANAGER employer: Manucomm Recruitment Ltd
Manucomm Recruitment Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Chippenham, where innovation meets quality in food manufacturing. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, with opportunities to enhance their skills and advance their careers while contributing to a culture that prioritises food safety and compliance. Join us to be part of a team that values your expertise and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the chilled foods sector.
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 Manucomm Recruitment Ltd.
✨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 Manucomm Recruitment Ltd!
✨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 Manucomm Recruitment Ltd, 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 Manucomm Recruitment Ltd, 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 Manucomm Recruitment Ltd, 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 Manucomm Recruitment Ltd.
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 Manucomm Recruitment Ltd. 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 Manucomm Recruitment Ltd. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manucomm Recruitment Ltd
✨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 Manucomm Recruitment Ltd’s mission.
