At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting food innovation projects from concept to launch in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Fast-growing entrepreneurial food business with a focus on innovation and international expansion.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career growth, dynamic work culture, and involvement in US market expansion.
- Other info: Join a team that values structure, creativity, and collaboration in delivering successful products.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of product innovation and make a real impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Project management experience and strong communication skills; food industry experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen within a fast-growing, entrepreneurial food business that is investing heavily in innovation, new product development and international expansion. The company has built a strong position in the UK through its core convenience food ranges, including ambient and microwaveable products widely stocked across major retailers. In recent years, it has expanded into broader convenience-led categories such as ready-to-eat meals, noodles and meal kits, reflecting a clear ambition to evolve into a more complete food brand.
With a strong pipeline of new ideas and continued investment in growth - including expansion into the US market with a new manufacturing facility - the business is now entering its next phase. As a result, there is a clear need to bring more structure, control and consistency to how innovation is delivered. This role will be central to that journey.
This is a newly created position that will sit at the heart of the business, taking ownership of projects from concept through to launch. Working cross-functionally with marketing, commercial, technical, operations, finance and HR, you will ensure ideas are translated into successful, well-executed product launches. A key part of the role will be introducing and embedding a more structured stage gate approach — bringing rigour, governance and clarity to a fast-paced environment where multiple projects are moving at speed.
This is not just about managing timelines. It is about helping the business scale effectively by ensuring innovation is delivered in a consistent, repeatable and commercially successful way. Alongside UK responsibility, there will also be involvement in supporting activity linked to a new US operation in its early stages.
This role would suit someone earlier in their career who is looking to grow within a high-growth, ambitious environment. You may currently be working in project management, supply chain, operations or a related role, with some exposure to structured delivery processes such as stage gate or similar frameworks. Experience within food or FMCG is beneficial but not essential — what matters most is your ability to manage complexity and work across multiple stakeholders.
They are looking for someone who is:
- Logical, organised and process-driven
- Calm and composed, with the ability to operate in a fast-moving environment
- A strong communicator who can influence different teams with differing priorities
- Proactive, with a natural tendency to take ownership and drive projects forward
- Interested in building structure and improving how things are done
NPD Project Manager in Maidstone employer: Nigel Wright Group
Join a dynamic and innovative food business that prioritises employee growth and development in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. With a strong commitment to new product development and international expansion, this company offers a collaborative work culture where your contributions directly impact the success of exciting projects. Enjoy the benefits of working in a supportive team, with opportunities to influence and shape the future of a brand that is evolving rapidly in the convenience food sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Project Manager in Maidstone
✨Get in the Kitchen!
Don’t just sit behind a screen—roll up your sleeves and get some hands-on experience! Join local food technology workshops or volunteer at community kitchens. This is a fab way to connect with others in the food science scene and show off your skills!
✨Join Foodie Networks
Some awesome opportunities come from getting involved in food science communities, both online and offline. Check out forums and groups like the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) for networking events and meet-ups. It's a solid way to meet folks and find out about job openings that might not be advertised!
✨Leverage University Career Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni, don't forget to tap into your school’s career services. They often have connections with companies looking to hire entry-level talent, plus access to internship listings that could be a golden ticket to your dream job.
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Start a blog or social media account where you explore trends in food science and tech, share reviews of products, or even experiment with recipes! This gives you visibility and makes you memorable to employers like Nigel Wright Group—plus, it shows you’re genuinely passionate about the field!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Project Manager in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Studies:In the food science and technology field, your educational background is super important. You should definitely highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or research you've done. Make sure your CV pops with anything related to food chemistry, nutrition, or processing techniques. Trust us, it’ll grab their attention!
Share Your Passion for Food Science:In your cover letter, don't just list your qualifications; tell a story! Share why you’re passionate about food science and technology. Maybe you had a lightbulb moment in class or a fun project that sparked your interest. Let Nigel Wright Group know what drives you and how you want to contribute!
Include Hands-on Experience:If you've had any internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work related to food science—make sure to include that! Even if it’s just a lab assistant role or helping out at a food tech event, any real-world experience will make you stand out. Employers love seeing that you’ve applied your knowledge in practical ways.
Tailor Your Application Materials:Don't just send out the same CV and cover letter to every application—tailor them for Nigel Wright Group! Research their projects and focus areas in food science and technology, and relate your skills and experiences to what they do. Showing that you understand their mission will make a big difference in an entry-level role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nigel Wright Group
✨Know Your Basics
For an entry-level position in food science technology, it’s crucial that we brush up on the fundamentals. Expect questions about food safety standards, nutritional science, and food processing methods. Be ready to discuss any relevant coursework or labs that demonstrate your understanding of these key concepts.
✨Show Off Your Projects
Bringing along a portfolio of any projects you've worked on during your studies can really give you an edge. Whether it's a food product you developed or a research project you contributed to, illustrating your hands-on experience will help Nigel Wright Group see your potential in action, even at an entry-level.
✨Brush Up on Tech Tools
Familiarity with specific software tools like statistical analysis programmes or food safety software will be beneficial. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked about your experience with data analysis. We should be prepared to discuss how you can apply these tools in practical scenarios within food science.
✨Passion for Food Innovation
Since this is an entry-level role, your motivation and passion for food technology will be as important as your knowledge. Be ready to share why you’re excited about the field and what you hope to learn at Nigel Wright Group. Show that you're not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to grow in this industry.
