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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 NPD experience in branded retail food; degree preferred.
- 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: 10 minutes from Romford / East London / 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.
NPD 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 NPD Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food innovation and NPD. Being able to discuss current market trends and how they relate to the role will show your passion and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food and FMCG industry. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous NPD projects. Highlight your role in recipe development, project management, and how you navigated challenges to deliver successful products.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s product range and recent launches. Understanding their brand and what they stand for will help you align your answers with their values during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in NPD within the food or consumables industry. Emphasise your project management skills and any specific achievements related to new product development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food innovation and your understanding of the role. Mention how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly in managing end-to-end NPD processes.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, clearly outline your strong communication skills, attention to detail, and experience with stage gate processes. These are crucial for the role and should be evident in both your CV and cover letter.
Include Location Details: Since the job requires a car driver due to its location, make sure to mention your current location in your CV. This will help avoid any 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, come ready to discuss your approach to managing timelines, identifying risks, and navigating the stage gate process. Use examples from your past roles to illustrate how you’ve successfully led projects from ideation to market introduction.
✨Understand the Company’s Innovation Strategy
Research the company’s current products and innovation strategy before the interview. Being able to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals will show that you are genuinely interested and invested in their success.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration Questions
Expect questions about how you work with various teams such as Marketing, Supply Chain, and Technical departments. Prepare examples of how you’ve facilitated multi-functional meetings and ensured stakeholder alignment in your previous roles.
