At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting dessert NPD projects from concept to customer approval.
- Company: Join a well-established food manufacturer with a focus on creativity.
- Benefits: Supportive environment with opportunities for hands-on development and team leadership.
- Other info: Stay ahead of trends and collaborate with diverse teams for innovative product creation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the dessert category while nurturing a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in food NPD, strong project management, and creative development skills.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Are you a passionate and creative food developer with experience leading successful NPD projects from initial brief through to concept approval? We are recruiting an NPD Manager to join a well-established food manufacturer within its desserts category. This is a hands-on concept development role, offering the opportunity to lead exciting customer projects while nurturing and developing a small, close-knit team.
You will take ownership of the concept development process, transforming customer briefs and emerging food trends into commercially viable products. The business has a dedicated process development team, so your focus will remain firmly on creativity, concept development, managing your team and delivering an outstanding customer experience.
The role:
- Leading customer NPD projects from initial brief through to concept handover
- Managing critical paths and ensuring projects remain on track
- Developing creative, commercially viable dessert concepts
- Presenting to retail customers
- Working closely with customers to understand their requirements and build trusted relationships
- Collaborating with process, technical, commercial and operational teams
- Supporting the smooth handover of approved concepts into the process development team
- Leading, coaching and nurturing one direct report
- Helping to create a positive, passionate and collaborative team environment
- Staying ahead of consumer trends, emerging flavours and market activity
About you:
- Proven experience leading NPD or product development projects within food manufacturing
- Strong experience managing NPD critical paths
- A creative, hands-on developer who remains close to the product
- Ideally experienced in bakery, desserts, chocolate, confectionery or another sweet category
- Candidates from other fast-paced food categories, including ready meals, will also be considered
- Previous line-management, coaching or mentoring experience would be advantageous
- Confident communicating with retail customers and presenting product concepts
- Passionate, energetic and people-focused, with a nurturing leadership style
- Able to balance creativity with commercial awareness and delivery
This role would suit an experienced Senior Product Developer, Lead Developer or existing NPD Manager who wants to take ownership of a category while remaining actively involved in hands-on concept development. You will be joining a supportive business where concept and process development are managed by dedicated teams, giving you the space to focus on creativity, customers and developing brilliant products.
Please apply with your CV or contact Charlotte Liddiard-Smith at The Oval Partnership for a confidential conversation.
NPD Manager employer: The Oval Partnership
As an Environment, Health and Safety Manager at our company, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to fostering a proactive health and safety culture that prioritises employee well-being and operational excellence. We offer a supportive work environment that encourages professional growth through continuous training and development opportunities, while our commitment to compliance and best practices ensures that you can make a meaningful impact in your role. Located in a vibrant area, our site provides unique advantages such as collaboration with diverse departments and the chance to lead initiatives that enhance workplace safety and environmental performance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager
✨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 The Oval Partnership.
✨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 The Oval Partnership!
✨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 The Oval Partnership, 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 The Oval Partnership, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at The Oval Partnership, 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 The Oval Partnership.
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 The Oval Partnership. 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 The Oval Partnership. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Oval Partnership
✨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 The Oval Partnership’s mission.
