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- Tasks: Lead product development from concept to launch in the food and drink industry.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading food and drink manufacturer.
- Benefits: Negotiable salary, creative work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing innovative products that meet customer needs.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in product development, strong project management, and a food-based degree required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on safety and environmental responsibility.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The primary objective of the NPD Manager role is to manage the development of new products from concept to launch, as well as the reformulation of existing products. You will be responsible for ensuring all statutory, legal, food safety and customer specific requirements are met throughout the process, delivering the right first-time methodology.
Main Duties
- Manage, mentor and inspire a small Product Development team, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.
- Take the lead in managing the launch of new products in response to customer briefs, ensuring that all products meet commercial, technical and customer requirements, ensuring that brand integrity is maintained.
- Work together with internal teams to ensure seamless delivery of product development projects including recipe formulation, ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes.
- Stay up to date with industry trends, monitor new product launches to market, then use this research to identify opportunities for product development.
- Maintain accurate documentation of product development processes, collaborating with the Quality & Technical team to ensure that all relevant paperwork is accurate ahead of production to include specifications and recipes to drive right first-time methodology and being audit ready.
- Maintain and prepare baseline costings for both recipe development and finished product costings, ensuring that all products meet commercial requirements.
- Completion of customer specification systems to ensure accurate generation of pack copy and supply base details, including compliance to customer specific standards included within the portals.
- Liaise with Radnor Hills Graphic designer to develop new artwork and pack copy, whilst working closely with the marketing team to ensure accurate communication of required information.
- Work collaboratively with all departments to ensure seamless transition of product development to launch.
- Customer product development management for named own label accounts.
- Ensure that activities are conducted in compliance with relevant health, safety and environmental regulations. This includes identifying and mitigating potential hazards, implementing risk assessments and promoting a culture of safety and environmental responsibility. Working in accordance with food safety guidance and with all relevant Company policies to ensure brand integrity is always maintained.
Experience
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in a product development and/or project management role within food/drink manufacturing.
- Strong project management skills.
- People management.
- Food based degree.
- HACCP – level 2.
NPD Manager employer: Search International
Contact Detail:
Search International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that NPD Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want you to show off your knowledge about their brand and how you can contribute to their product development goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your previous experience in food/drink production makes you the perfect fit for the role. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the NPD Manager role. Highlight your previous experience in food or drink production, and showcase 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 explain why you're passionate about product development and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific examples from your past that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Since this role involves managing and mentoring a small team, make sure to highlight your people management skills. Share experiences where you've inspired collaboration and creativity within a team – we love to see that!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Search International
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food and drink production. Familiarise yourself with the latest industry trends and product launches. This will not only show your passion for the role but also demonstrate that you’re proactive about staying informed.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential NPD Manager, you'll need to manage and inspire a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on collaboration and creativity. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Compliance
Since the role involves ensuring compliance with food safety and legal requirements, be prepared to discuss your experience with HACCP and other relevant regulations. Bring examples of how you've maintained brand integrity and met customer specifications in previous roles.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s product development processes and how they foster innovation. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
