At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovation strategy and take a beloved food brand into exciting new categories.
- Company: Join a market-leading premium food brand with a strong innovation ambition.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, car allowance, health insurance, and generous holiday.
- Other info: Supportive, fast-paced environment with hybrid working and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a brand and make a real impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in food innovation and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you ready to take an iconic food brand into exciting new territory? Working on behalf of one of the UK’s most loved premium food brands, we are recruiting for an experienced senior NPD & Innovation Manager to lead a dedicated innovation unit, focused on taking the brand beyond its core and into new categories. We’re looking for an NPD & Innovation Manager to help shape and lead that agenda from the ground up.
Why This Role
- Join a market‑leading premium food brand with a strong reputation and genuine innovation ambition
- A rare opportunity to build something – not just manage an existing pipeline
- Work directly with senior leadership on a brief that genuinely matters to the business
- Supportive, fast‑paced environment with hybrid working (three days in the office)
About the Role
This is a broad, senior remit. You will own the innovation strategy – identifying new category opportunities, building the commercial case for investment, and leading products from concept through to launch. You will manage and develop a small team, run the stage‑gate process, partner with marketing, commercial, operations and procurement, and help establish the ways of working for a new team.
What You Will Be Doing
- Leading innovation strategy from whitespace identification and consumer insight through to commercial launch
- Taking the brand into new categories – ambient, snacking, frozen and beyond
- Managing the full NPD and stage‑gate process
- Building and presenting business cases to senior stakeholders
- Overseeing budgets including cost management and project spend
- Developing compelling product concepts, brand positioning and retailer propositions
- Managing and developing members of the innovation team
What We Are Looking For
- Proven experience leading innovation in a food FMCG environment, with a track record of successful launches
- Experience taking brands into new or adjacent categories
- Ability to use consumer insight and category data to identify whitespace and build a commercial innovation agenda
- Strong project management and stage‑gate experience
- Commercial awareness with a clear focus on the consumer
- Degree educated or equivalent
About You
- Entrepreneurial, curious and creative – you see opportunity where others see risk
- A natural collaborator who can bring cross‑functional teams together and influence at senior level
- Someone who wants to build something, not just manage something
Benefits
- Competitive Salary
- Bonus paid twice a year of up to 9%
- £5,000 annual car allowance
- 25 days holiday increasing with length of service
- Group personal pension with 4% company contribution
- MediCash Health Insurance
- Quarterly staff samples, annual company BBQ and more
Due to the location of our client’s office you must be able to commute to the office by car (3 days a week). There is free parking on site.
NPD and Innovation Manager in London employer: Pursuit Recruitment Ltd
Join a market-leading premium food brand that not only values innovation but also empowers its employees to shape the future of the company. With a supportive and fast-paced work culture, you will have the unique opportunity to lead a dedicated innovation unit, driving new product development in an environment that encourages creativity and collaboration. Enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous bonus structure, car allowance, and health insurance, all while working in a role that truly matters to the business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD and Innovation Manager in London
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Pursuit Recruitment Ltd.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Pursuit Recruitment Ltd!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Pursuit Recruitment Ltd, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Pursuit Recruitment Ltd, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD and Innovation Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Pursuit Recruitment Ltd, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Pursuit Recruitment Ltd.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Pursuit Recruitment Ltd. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Pursuit Recruitment Ltd. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pursuit Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Pursuit Recruitment Ltd’s mission.
