At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative egg product development from concept to launch in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Stonegate Farmers, a top UK food business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape exciting new products.
- Other info: Mentor a creative team and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food innovation while working with leading retailers and brands.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; experience in food NPD essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Working Hours
Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week
Stonegate Farmers is looking for an experienced NPD Manager to lead product development within our state-of-the-art Egg Innovation Centre in Lacock, Wiltshire.
This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the UK's leading food businesses and play a key role in developing innovative egg-based products for some of the country's best-known retailers, foodservice customers and brands.
Working across both high care and low care production environments, you'll take products from concept through to commercial launch, collaborating closely with commercial, technical and operational teams to bring innovation to life.
About the Role
As NPD Manager, you will lead the full product development lifecycle, ensuring innovative products are delivered on time, to specification and in line with customer expectations.
You'll manage multiple development projects simultaneously while supporting and developing a growing NPD team.
This is a highly visible role requiring strong commercial awareness, technical expertise, project management capability and the ability to build effective relationships across the business and with customers.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead new product development projects from concept through to launch.
- Develop innovative egg-based products aligned with customer requirements, market trends and business strategy.
- Manage product trials, factory scale-ups and validation activities.
- Collaborate with commercial teams to support innovation sessions, customer presentations and product pitches.
- Coordinate recipe development, ingredient selection and process optimisation.
- Ensure all products meet food safety, quality, regulatory and customer requirements.
- Conduct sensory evaluation, benchmarking and product performance assessments.
- Support continuous improvement, reformulation and cost optimisation initiatives.
- Monitor market trends and consumer insights to identify future innovation opportunities.
- Mentor and support NPD team members while driving a culture of creativity and excellence.
What We're Looking For
- Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Product Development or a related discipline.
- Proven experience in a food manufacturing NPD environment.
- Experience developing products for major UK retailers and/or foodservice customers.
- Strong project management experience from concept through to launch.
- Good understanding of HACCP, food safety and quality systems.
- Experience managing factory trials and product scale-up activities.
- Knowledge of food legislation, labelling requirements and customer standards.
- Experience within high care, chilled food or similar manufacturing environments.
- Experience working with egg, dairy, protein or convenience food products.
- Knowledge of BRCGS standards and customer audit requirements
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NPD Manager in Lacock employer: Stonegate
Stonegate Farmers is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our state-of-the-art Egg Innovation Centre in Lacock, Wiltshire. We prioritise employee growth through mentorship and collaboration, fostering a culture of creativity and excellence while providing competitive benefits and opportunities to lead innovative projects that shape the future of food. Join us to be part of a leading UK food business where your contributions directly impact renowned retailers and brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager in Lacock
✨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 Stonegate.
✨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 Stonegate!
✨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 Stonegate, 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 Stonegate, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager in Lacock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Stonegate, 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 Stonegate.
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 Stonegate. 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 Stonegate. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stonegate
✨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 Stonegate’s mission.
