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- Tasks: Lead exciting product development projects from concept to launch in the food industry.
- Company: Join a multibillion-dollar global food manufacturing leader with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food products while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science and 2-3 years of NPD experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic office environment with opportunities for international travel.
A high number of candidates may make applications for this position, so make sure to send your CV and application through as soon as possible.
Location: Hertfordshire (primarily office-based with travel)
Salary: £37,000 – £40,000 depending on experience
Job Type: Full-time, permanent
Start Date: ASAP
Eligibility: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK (sponsorship not available)
About the Company
A multibillion-dollar global food manufacturing business supplying major retail and foodservice customers across international markets is seeking a highly motivated NPD Manager to join its expanding team. This is a key leadership role within the NPD function, responsible for driving product development strategy, managing projects end-to-end, and working closely with commercial teams and customers to deliver innovative, high-quality products.
The Role
Reporting to the NPD Controller, you will lead product development activity from concept through to launch, ensuring projects are delivered on time, meet customer expectations, and align with business objectives. You will play a highly visible, customer-facing role, collaborating across internal teams while overseeing critical paths, managing technical compliance, and supporting commercial growth through innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage product development projects from concept through to launch
- Manage and drive critical paths to ensure timelines and processes are met
- Act as a key customer contact, managing relationships and ensuring requirements are delivered
- Ensure BRC processes and documentation are completed and maintained
- Oversee product approvals and product matrix management
- Collaborate with Technical, Supply Chain, Commercial and senior stakeholders
- Support and contribute to customer presentations and commercial proposals
- Monitor market trends, consumer insights and competitor activity to support innovation strategy
- Maintain accurate internal documentation and reporting
- Support and guide members of the NPD team where required
- Champion company culture and continuous improvement
Ideal Candidate
- Experienced NPD professional ready to take ownership of projects and customer relationships
- Confident managing multiple development programmes simultaneously
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to align innovation with business strategy
- Comfortable presenting to customers and senior stakeholders
- Proactive, organised and able to lead in a fast-paced environment
Essential Requirements
- Degree in Food Science or related discipline
- 2–3+ years’ experience in an NPD role at Assistant Manager, Senior Technologist or similar level
- Strong knowledge of product development processes within food manufacturing
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
- Full driving licence and willingness to travel (UK and international)
Working Environment
This is primarily an office-based and customer-facing role. While flexibility may be offered where possible, the NPD team typically works on-site or travels due to the nature of product development and customer engagement. You will work closely with NPD, Commercial, Technical, Supply Chain, Logistics and senior leadership teams to deliver projects from concept through launch.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to 27 days after 5 years and up to 30 days with service)
- Contributory pension, Life assurance scheme, Private health insurance, Healthcare cash plan, Employee assistance programme
Recruitment Process
- Stage 1: Online interview with Hiring Manager and Head of HR
- Stage 2: Face-to-face interview with Hiring Manager and Director
Why Apply?
Join a stable global organisation committed to developing its people and delivering innovation across international markets. You will play a key role in shaping product development while working in a collaborative and supportive environment. Applications are welcomed from talented individuals of all backgrounds.
NPD Manager in Broxbourne employer: The Oval Partnership
Contact Detail:
The Oval Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager in Broxbourne
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like a pro! Research the company’s recent projects and innovations in NPD. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals right from the get-go.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of NPD Manager. Highlight specific projects you've led and how they relate to driving product development and innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager in Broxbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your CV Spot On: Make sure your CV is tailored to the NPD Manager role. Highlight your experience in product development and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how you can drive innovation in food manufacturing!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for food innovation and how your skills align with our goals at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects or improved processes in your previous roles. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Let’s get your journey started!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Oval Partnership
✨Know Your NPD Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of product development processes in food manufacturing. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've managed and how you drove them from concept to launch. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Off Your Commercial Awareness
Since this role requires strong commercial awareness, be prepared to talk about how you've aligned innovation with business strategy in the past. Bring examples of market trends or consumer insights you've monitored and how they influenced your product development decisions.
✨Prepare for Customer Engagement
As a key customer contact, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage relationships effectively. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with customers or stakeholders, and be ready to share how you ensured their requirements were met throughout the project lifecycle.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
You'll likely need to present to customers and senior stakeholders, so practice your presentation skills ahead of time. Prepare a mini-presentation on a past project or a new product idea, focusing on how you can communicate complex information clearly and engagingly.
