At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting product development projects from concept to launch in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a market leader in food manufacturing with a focus on innovation and career growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, company pension, and wellbeing initiatives like free eye tests.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field, plus experience in food manufacturing and project management.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for hands-on training and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Our client is a global leader in food manufacturing and they are currently looking for an NPD Project Manager to be based at their Frome site. This is an excellent opportunity to join this exciting company, offering superb career progression and job satisfaction.
NPD Project Manager Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Working with the major retailers in the UK.
- Coordinate development from concept through to final launch, ensuring a smooth launch of new products or changes in the factory.
- Develop recipes and products, conducting hands-on development work from initial kitchen trials to industrial trials, including organoleptic assessment (tasting).
- Manage the organization of industrial trials, communicate results, actions/improvements, and follow up on them.
- Ensure products will be produced under normal conditions on current equipment, raising and communicating any concerns about possible difficulties.
- Provide hands-on training when running factory trials to the production team.
- Understand and know how to use the pilot plant and development lab, suggesting improvements and notifying breakdowns/malfunctions.
- Support the production team with product and process expertise when necessary.
- Be the main point of contact for customers regarding development, optimisation, and improvement projects from brief to launch.
- Influence customer briefs by offering insight into feasibility and factory capabilities.
- Conduct face-to-face presentations to customers to explain the business model, development capabilities, and technical advantages.
- Oversee costings and make price recommendations to the Commercial Director.
- Lead and coordinate all product-related projects from initial customer brief through development, trials, artwork, factory validation, and final launch.
- Manage end-to-end artwork development, ensuring the right process and legal checks through to sign off.
NPD Project Manager Candidate Profile:
- Experience in a similar role, demonstrating the ability to influence, convince, and motivate others.
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
- Understanding of dairy science, food technology, and food manufacturing processes.
- Previous experience in an industrial food manufacturing environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
- A proven record of project management.
- Capacity to lead and deliver multiple projects in parallel.
- Commercial awareness.
- Flexibility to work additional hours or change working days at short notice.
- Hands-on attitude and ability to work unsupervised to achieve results within tight deadlines.
The ideal candidate should display three essential qualities:
- Fast learning: Ability to assimilate new information and knowledge efficiently.
- Driven and determined to achieve results.
- Able to work in a fast-paced environment.
NPD Project Manager Company Package:
- Market Leader in their products and sector.
- Company pension 6% employer contribution (subject to contract).
- 25 days holiday + Bank holidays.
- Company sick pay.
- 4 x Death in Service.
- Wellbeing initiatives β Free eye tests, Β£90 contribution to prescription lenses.
- Full training will be given.
If you would like to apply for this role, please send an up-to-date copy of your CV to Kate Evans quoting reference GP303.
NPD Project Manager in Frome employer: Planet CIC
Contact Detail:
Planet CIC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land NPD Project Manager in Frome
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to NPD project management. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We want you to show off your skills and knowledge confidently!
β¨Tip Number 3
Donβt forget to showcase your hands-on attitude! Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've taken initiative or solved problems in previous roles. This will demonstrate your fit for the fast-paced environment theyβre looking for.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Project Manager in Frome
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the NPD Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in food science and project management, and donβt forget to showcase any relevant achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why youβre the perfect fit for this role. Mention your hands-on experience in food manufacturing and how you can contribute to the companyβs product development.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your written application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and demonstrate your ability to convey ideas effectively, just like you would in face-to-face presentations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so donβt hesitate to hit that apply button!
How to prepare for a job interview at Planet CIC
β¨Know Your Product Development Process
Make sure you understand the entire product development process from concept to launch. Be ready to discuss your experience with kitchen trials, industrial trials, and how you've managed product optimisations in the past.
β¨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an NPD Project Manager, you'll need to be a strong communicator. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with customers and internal teams, especially when influencing briefs or presenting technical information.
β¨Demonstrate Your Project Management Prowess
Be prepared to talk about your project management experience. Highlight specific projects where you successfully led multiple initiatives simultaneously, showcasing your ability to prioritise and handle complexity.
β¨Emphasise Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role requires a hands-on attitude, share instances where you've been directly involved in factory trials or product development. Discuss how your practical experience has contributed to successful outcomes in previous roles.