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- Tasks: Lead exciting new food product launches from concept to market.
- Company: Join a leading food brand committed to innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, free lunches, and a competitive benefits package.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving food innovation with a strong culture.
- Qualifications: 4-5 years in NPD project management within the food industry required.
- Other info: Must be a car driver; hybrid work model available.
The predicted salary is between 49000 - 58000 £ per year.
Industry: FOOD / FMCG
Salary: £58,000 - £65,000 DOE + Competitive benefits package including private healthcare
Location: Must be a car driver
Full time, Hybrid Work pattern: 3 days per week in the office, 2 days working from home or at 3rd party supplier
Must have previous experience within food / consumables industry within an NPD role
Exciting Opportunity with Leading Food Brand
The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of new product launches, from exploration to market introduction. You will work with key stakeholders across all business functions to ensure projects are delivered on time, to cost, and meeting high quality standards. You will take full accountability for end-to-end project management - optimising timelines, identifying and communicating risks, and managing through the stage gate process.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Innovation Lead in executing our client's innovation strategy
- Lead end-to-end NPD, including recipe development, costing, trials, and post-launch reviews
- Develop and manage project timelines for major innovation and range extension projects
- Work with internal teams (Marketing, Category, Supply Chain, Technical, Sales, Finance) and external partners (manufacturers, agencies) to ensure smooth execution
- Drive decision-making and risk management through the stage gate process
- Oversee recipe formulation, product development, and collaboration with UK & EU manufacturing teams
- Identify and mitigate risks while ensuring regulatory and market requirements are met
- Manage consumer research activities, competitor analysis, and market trends
- Facilitate multi-functional project meetings and ensure stakeholder alignment
Person Specification
- 4-5 years in project management, specifically NPD in branded retail food (ambient, chilled, or convenience meals)
- Strong project management skills from ideation to post-launch evaluation
- Experience in recipe development, cost engineering, and factory trials
- Knowledge of supply chain, operations, and cross-functional dependencies
- Agile mindset, strong communication skills, and attention to detail
- Experience managing projects through stage gate processes and working with 3rd party suppliers
- Proficiency in project management tools is a plus
Qualifications
Degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field preferred
Our client is committed to building a culturally diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation. They are also dedicated to maintaining a strong quality and food safety culture to support their brand reputation.
If you are passionate about food innovation and have the experience to drive new product development from concept to shelf, we would love to hear from you.
Company Benefits:
- Holidays: 25 days (increasing to 28 days with service).
- Additional Leave: Up to 10 extra days for long service milestones.
- Pension: Group personal pension with 4% company contribution.
- Life Cover: 3 x salary paid to your nominated beneficiary.
- Maternity Pay: Occupational maternity pay plus SMP.
- Accident Cover: Disability compensation payment.
- Health & Wellbeing: BUPA & BUPA cash plan (individual or family).
- Recognition: Employee Star Award.
- Lunches & Drinks: Free lunch every day (valued at £700) + free drinks.
- Social: Heavily subsidised sports & social events + annual company BBQ.
- Annual Flu Vaccination: Provided for all employees.
Additional Notes:
Car Driver Required: The office is not accessible via public transport; therefore, a valid driving license and access to a car is essential.
Location Disclosure: Please mention your location in your CV. Applications without location details may experience delays in processing.
Eligibility: Only applicants with UK residency and full visa status will be considered. Applications from those outside of the UK will not be shortlisted. If you plan to relocate, please mention this in your CV or cover letter.
New Product Development Manager employer: Pursuit Executive Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Pursuit Executive Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the food and FMCG industry. Understanding current market demands and consumer preferences will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food innovation space. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities within their organisations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous NPD projects. Be ready to explain your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them, as this will showcase your project management skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your experience with cross-functional teams. Since this role involves collaboration across various departments, demonstrating your ability to work well with diverse teams will be crucial in making a strong impression.
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in new product development within the food or FMCG industry. Emphasise your project management skills and any specific achievements related to NPD.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food innovation and outlines how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the role. Mention your familiarity with the stage gate process and your ability to manage cross-functional teams.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly list skills that are pertinent to the role, such as recipe development, cost engineering, and proficiency in project management tools. Use specific examples to demonstrate these skills in action.
Include Location Details: Since the job requires a car driver due to office location, ensure you mention your location in your CV. This will help avoid delays in processing your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pursuit Executive Recruitment Ltd
✨Showcase Your NPD Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience in new product development, especially within the food or consumables industry. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've managed, focusing on your role in recipe development, trials, and post-launch evaluations.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Since this role requires strong project management skills, be ready to explain your approach to managing timelines, risks, and stakeholder communication. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you successfully navigated the stage gate process.
✨Understand the Company’s Innovation Strategy
Research the company’s current products and innovation strategy before the interview. This will allow you to align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your enthusiasm for contributing to their success in the food market.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration Questions
Expect questions about working with various teams such as Marketing, Supply Chain, and Technical departments. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to facilitate multi-functional meetings and ensure alignment among stakeholders.
