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- Tasks: Lead exciting product development projects from concept to launch in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a global 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.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with excellent training and support for your professional journey.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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. They are a great company to work for offering superb career progression and job satisfaction. This role supports the development and optimisation of the company's product range.
NPD Project Manager Tasks and Responsibilities
- Working with the major retailers in the UK.
- Coordinate development from concept through to final launch.
- Be a pivotal contact between all departments to ensure a smooth launch of the new products or changes in the factory.
- Develop recipes and products, conduct hands-on development work from initial kitchen trials to industrial trials, including organoleptic assessment (tasting).
- Manage the organisation of the industrial trials, communicate the results, actions/improvements to be carried out and follow up on them.
- Ensure the products will be produced in the normal conditions on the current equipment, raise and communicate any concerns about possible difficulties.
- Provide hands-on training when running factory trials to production team.
- Understand and know how to use the pilot plant and development lab, suggest improvements and notify breakdowns/malfunctions.
- Support production team with product and process expertise when necessary.
- Be your customers main point of contact for development, optimisation and improvement projects from brief to launch and other queries about products, process and packaging.
- Be the Development technical expert to influence customer briefs by offering insight into feasibility and factory capabilities.
- Face to face presentation to customer either at their head office, or on site to explain the business model, development capabilities and technical advantages.
- Oversee costings and make price recommendation to Commercial director.
- Lead and coordinate all products related projects – from initial customer brief through development, trials, artwork, factory validation, and final launch.
- Manage end to end artwork development, internally and externally, with the right process and legal checks through to sign off either for development projects and design or legal updates.
NPD Project Manager Candidate Profile
- 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.
- Good at selling ideas.
- A proven record of project management.
- Capacity and capability to lead and deliver multiple projects in parallel.
- Be commercially aware.
- Flexibility through working additional hours or change of working day at short notice.
- Hands on attitude.
- Ability to work unsupervised and achieve results within tight deadlines.
The ideal candidate should display 3 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 – Free eye tests, £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 employer: Planet CIC
Contact Detail:
Planet CIC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Project Manager
✨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.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research the company’s products and recent developments. Being able to discuss their product range and how you can contribute will show them you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your project management skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
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 don’t forget to mention any hands-on development work you've done. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about food manufacturing and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a personal touch, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As an NPD Project Manager, communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your excellent written and oral communication skills. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, make sure we can see how you can effectively convey ideas and collaborate with others.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our exciting team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Planet CIC
✨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 and industrial trials, as well as how you've managed product optimisation in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an NPD Project Manager, you'll be the main point of contact for customers. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with different departments and clients, and be ready to demonstrate your ability to sell ideas and influence briefs.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Prowess
Be prepared to talk about your project management experience, especially in handling multiple projects simultaneously. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully led projects from initial brief through to final launch, showcasing your organisational skills.
✨Emphasise Your Hands-On Experience
This role requires a hands-on attitude, so be ready to discuss your practical experience in food manufacturing environments. Share examples of how you've provided training during factory trials and any improvements you've suggested based on your observations.
