At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development and innovation in the food industry, driving growth and strategy.
- Company: Join a dynamic food and drink company with a bright and ambitious culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Great culture with plans for growth and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a critical role that shapes the future of the business.
- Qualifications: Senior NPD experience in food, strong leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Novus Recruitment are delighted to be working exclusively on this senior development role, an opportunity for someone with a background in product development who has been instrumental in using their knowledge, creative expertise and commercial acumen to deliver growth in own-label or branded product ranges.
You will have a strong background in NPD and innovation, and be agile enough to work in demanding, fast-paced categories while managing numerous stakeholders internally across commercial, category, operations and finance, as well as external customers across multiple retailers. Leadership skills are critical for this role to lead and develop a team, growing each individual’s skills across product development, project management and stakeholder management, resulting in a development function that is fully integrated into every part of the business.
As Senior Development Manager, you will be responsible for:
- Setting and delivering the NPD strategy to drive innovation and commercial advantage for the business.
- Leadership of a medium-sized NPD team.
- Being the main point of contact for all retail customers.
- Holding a prominent position within the Senior Management Team.
- Management of multiple product ranges with growth objectives.
This is a critical role and integral to the future of the business, so you will need the following in your background:
- Senior NPD experience in the food industry and a strong network with retail customers.
- Extensive knowledge and a network of contacts across development, category and commercial functions within the food industry.
- Evidence of your ability to immerse yourself in a product category and stay aware of trends, market movements and emerging growth segments to explore and develop.
- Examples of successful development and leadership of individuals, resulting in strong, cohesive teams.
- Experience in delivering a successful NPD strategy.
- A tangible passion for product development and driving commercial advancement.
- Proven ability to lead teams effectively to critical path deadlines, with strong understanding of product and process lifecycle management.
- Professional influencing skills, building strong relationships with direct and indirect stakeholders across the business.
This business has a bright, driven and ambitious mindset. Plans for further growth are already well underway, and the Exec Team are keen to attract a like-minded NPD leader to enhance their commercial edge. From previous placements, we know this business has a great culture and a welcoming team environment, with flexible hybrid working to balance the needs of work, home and team.
There is always more to discuss with roles like this, so as a first step, please send your CV to Colette Nichols to start the process.
Senior Development Manager employer: Novus Recruitment
Novus Recruitment is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and ambitious work culture that fosters creativity and innovation in the food and drink industry. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides flexible hybrid working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, ensuring that each team member can thrive while contributing to the success of exciting product ranges. Join a welcoming team where your leadership skills will be valued, and your passion for product development can drive meaningful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development 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 Novus Recruitment.
✨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 Novus Recruitment!
✨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 Novus Recruitment, 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 Novus Recruitment, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Novus Recruitment, 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 Novus Recruitment.
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 Novus Recruitment. 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 Novus Recruitment. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Novus Recruitment
✨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 Novus Recruitment’s mission.
