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- Tasks: Manage key customer accounts and lead product development from concept to launch.
- Company: Established food manufacturing business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for growth and cross-functional teamwork.
- Why this job: Be the vital link between customers and product development, making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD or customer-facing roles within food manufacturing is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are supporting a well-established and growing food manufacturing business supplying major retail, foodservice and B2B customers across the UK & Ireland. Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint an NPD Account Manager to act as the key link between customers and the internal development teams.
This is a highly visible role within the business, combining customer-facing responsibility with hands-on product development, ensuring successful delivery of projects from concept through to launch.
Key Responsibilities- Act as the primary contact for key customer accounts, managing the full NPD process from brief to launch
- Translate customer requirements into clear, actionable development briefs for internal teams
- Lead and manage multiple NPD projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines, costings and quality standards are met
- Work closely with Technical, Operations, Commercial and Procurement teams to deliver commercially viable products
- Attend and lead customer meetings, presenting concepts, samples and project updates
- Coordinate factory trials, product approvals and launch plans
- Ensure all products meet retailer specifications, technical standards and regulatory requirements
- Manage critical paths and ensure all deadlines are achieved
- Support continuous improvement of NPD processes and customer engagement
- Proven experience in an NPD, Development or Customer-facing role within food manufacturing
- Strong understanding of chilled / (high care / short shelf life preferred)
- Experience working with major retailers or foodservice customers
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Commercial awareness with the ability to balance customer expectations and business needs
- Experience with factory trials, specifications and product launches
- Site-based role with some flexibility depending on business needs
- Fast-paced environment with strong cross-functional collaboration
- Opportunity to work closely with major customers and influence product strategy
- Clear progression opportunities within a growing business
NPD Account Manager employer: Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
Contact Detail:
Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Account Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local food manufacturing events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that NPD Account Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising your pitch. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed NPD projects in the past and how you can translate customer needs into successful product launches. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for food innovation! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your ideas on trends in the food industry and how you can contribute to their growth. Let’s make them see your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team and make an impact in the food manufacturing sector.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Account Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the NPD Account Manager role. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about NPD and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don't forget to mention your experience with major retailers or foodservice customers.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills: Since this role involves managing multiple NPD projects, be sure to highlight your project management experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully delivered projects on time and within budget.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
✨Know Your NPD Process
Make sure you understand the full New Product Development (NPD) process. Be ready to discuss how you've managed projects from concept to launch in your previous roles. Highlight specific examples where you translated customer requirements into actionable briefs.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an NPD Account Manager, you'll be the bridge between customers and internal teams. Prepare to demonstrate your strong communication skills by sharing experiences where you successfully led customer meetings or collaborated with cross-functional teams.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of food manufacturing standards, especially regarding chilled products and regulatory requirements. Expect questions about factory trials and product specifications, so have relevant examples ready to showcase your expertise.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Understand the balance between customer expectations and business needs. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated this in past roles, particularly when working with major retailers or foodservice customers. Show that you can think commercially while managing multiple projects.