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- Tasks: Lead a team to develop innovative food products from concept to launch.
- Company: Pro-Pak Foods supplies delicious ready meals to top UK supermarkets.
- Benefits: Enjoy a salary up to £60,000, 33 days holiday, and great discounts.
- Why this job: Join a creative environment where your ideas can shape the future of food.
- Qualifications: Degree in food-related subject and 3-5 years NPD experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity for leadership development and customer engagement.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Pro-Pak Foods is a major supplier of delicious ready meals to many of the UK’s leading supermarkets and convenience stores. Our company, based in Malton, North Yorkshire, has built an excellent reputation over the last 25 years. Today, our chefs, working in partnership with our customers, have created a menu of more than 200 quality meals.
We are looking for an experienced NPD Manager who is knowledgeable in all areas of the food manufacturing environment, including health & safety, food hygiene and food safety. The successful candidate will have exceptional people management skills to develop and manage a team of six focused on the development of new products, aiming to deliver best-in-class, creative, inspired and tasty food. This person will ensure key parameters regarding quality and cost are delivered as part of the development programme.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure the effective use of the NPD gate process from concept to product handover.
- Be responsible for the NPD strategy.
- Manage projects to ensure on-time product development in line with project timelines.
- Review and evaluate success of new products and enhancements, ensuring key learning points are fed into future programmes.
- Be part of broad commercial and marketing team to brainstorm concepts/ideas to identify niche markets for existing or new products.
- Develop effective relationships with customers to facilitate the successful development of new products.
- Manage the team to ensure delivery of cost-effective, successful new products that meet all technical and commercial requirements.
- Oversee the liaison process with the process team to ensure effective and efficient concept-to-launch process.
- Ensure the team deliver a full and comprehensive recording of process information and adherence to process work instructions.
- Ensure ongoing awareness of trends, materials and ingredients that deliver value to NPD process.
- Present new product developments to key accounts/customers and influence them to deliver continued NPD growth for the business.
- Manage all elements of your team and hold regular NPD meetings with the wider business.
- Ensure you and your team are effective and trained in the latest NPD developments and processes.
Essential skills:
- Degree or NVQ in food related subject
- Extensive experience in leading a successful NPD team
- Used to setting benchmarks in a complex and fast moving production environment
- Excellent presentation skills
- Strong influencing and communication skills
- 3-5 years' experience of recipe design and people management
- Used to regular customer face-to-face engagement
- Driving licence as visits to customers are essential
What we can offer you:
- Salary up to £60,000
- 33 days’ holiday with an option to buy up to 5 more
- Leadership Development Programme
- Access to GroceryAid, which provides emotional, practical and financial support
- Benefits and recognition hub, including amazing colleague discounts
NPD Manager employer: PR O-Pak Foods Ltd
Contact Detail:
PR O-Pak Foods Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food innovation and product development. Being knowledgeable about current market demands and consumer preferences will help you stand out during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food manufacturing industry, especially those involved in NPD. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of successful product launches you've managed in the past. Highlight your ability to lead teams and deliver projects on time, as this is crucial for the NPD Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your creative thinking skills by brainstorming innovative product ideas that could fit within Pro-Pak Foods' existing range. Presenting these ideas during your interview can demonstrate your proactive approach and passion for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in food product development and team management. Emphasise any relevant qualifications, such as a degree or NVQ in a food-related subject, and showcase your achievements in leading successful NPD teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for innovation in food development. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects from concept to launch, and how you can contribute to Pro-Pak Foods' reputation for quality.
Showcase Your People Management Skills: In your application, highlight your experience in managing teams. Provide examples of how you've developed and motivated your team members, ensuring they are trained in the latest NPD processes and trends.
Demonstrate Customer Engagement Experience: Since the role involves regular customer interaction, include details about your experience in building relationships with clients. Discuss how you've influenced customer decisions and contributed to NPD growth through effective communication.
How to prepare for a job interview at PR O-Pak Foods Ltd
✨Showcase Your NPD Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your understanding of the NPD process, especially how it relates to food manufacturing. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of successful product launches you've managed and how you navigated challenges during development.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As an NPD Manager, you'll be leading a team. Share your experiences in managing teams, focusing on how you've motivated and developed your team members. Discuss any strategies you've used to foster creativity and collaboration within your team.
✨Prepare for Customer Engagement Scenarios
Since the role involves direct customer interaction, think of examples where you've successfully influenced customers or stakeholders. Be ready to role-play potential scenarios during the interview to showcase your communication and influencing skills.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Research current trends in the food industry, particularly those related to NPD. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could influence your approach to product development and how you would incorporate them into your strategy at Pro-Pak Foods.
