At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovation for iconic chocolate and confectionery brands from concept to launch.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Montezuma's and Bristows of Devon.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative freedom, and the chance to shape beloved brands.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a small team and drive exciting projects.
- Why this job: Make your mark in the confectionery world and see your ideas come to life.
- Qualifications: Experience in chocolate or confectionery product development is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Lead Innovation for Two Iconic Confectionery Brands
We're looking for an experienced NPD professional with hands-on chocolate or confectionery product development experience to lead innovation across Montezuma's premium chocolate and Bristows of Devon traditional confectionery.
This is a senior role where you'll own the innovation pipeline from concept to launch, lead a small Product Development team and work cross-functionally to deliver commercially successful new products.
What You'll Do
- Lead the NPD and innovation strategy across both brands.
- Manage the full Stage-Gate process from concept through to commercial launch.
- Develop new chocolate and confectionery products, overseeing trials, scale-up and manufacturing.
- Identify consumer trends and translate insights into commercially successful products.
- Lead and develop a small Product Development team.
- Partner with Marketing, Operations, Procurement, Technical and Finance to deliver projects on time and within budget.
- Drive continuous improvement across the NPD process.
What We're Looking For
- Significant experience in chocolate or confectionery product development within a food manufacturing environment.
- Proven track record of taking products from concept through to commercial launch.
- Experience managing multiple NPD projects.
- Strong commercial understanding, including product costings and margins.
- Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills.
You'll stand out if you have
- Experience leading or mentoring an NPD team.
- A passion for consumer trends and innovation.
- Experience within premium branded FMCG.
Please note: This role requires direct chocolate or confectionery product development experience. Applications without relevant industry experience are unlikely to be progressed.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of two much-loved brands, with the autonomy to influence innovation strategy and see your ideas become products on the shelf.
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NPD Lead -Chocolate & Confectionery in Chichester employer: Montezuma's Chocolates
Join a dynamic and innovative team where your expertise in chocolate and confectionery product development will be valued and nurtured. At Montezuma's and Bristows of Devon, we foster a collaborative work culture that encourages creativity and continuous improvement, offering you the chance to lead a passionate team and drive meaningful change in our iconic brands. With a focus on employee growth and a commitment to delivering commercially successful products, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a thriving environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Lead -Chocolate & Confectionery in Chichester
✨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 Montezuma's Chocolates.
✨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 Montezuma's Chocolates!
✨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 Montezuma's Chocolates, 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 Montezuma's Chocolates, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Lead -Chocolate & Confectionery in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Montezuma's Chocolates, 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 Montezuma's Chocolates.
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 Montezuma's Chocolates. 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 Montezuma's Chocolates. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Montezuma's Chocolates
✨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 Montezuma's Chocolates’s mission.
