At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the innovation pipeline for exciting new food products from concept to launch.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking food manufacturing business in Manchester.
- Benefits: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Other info: Ideal for ambitious professionals passionate about food quality and customer satisfaction.
- Why this job: Drive product excellence and innovation in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in food product development and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester. We are recruiting an experienced and commercially driven NPD Category Lead to join a leading food manufacturing business based in Manchester. This role is responsible for leading and delivering the category innovation pipeline, ensuring the successful development and launch of high-quality, commercially viable food products that align with customer expectations and business growth objectives.
The successful candidate will take ownership of category strategy and pipeline delivery, working cross functionally with Technical, Operations, Commercial, Procurement, and Process teams to deliver products from concept through to launch. This is a highly customer facing role requiring strong leadership, commercial awareness and a passion for food excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious NPD professional who thrives in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment and enjoys leading teams, influencing stakeholders and driving innovation at pace.
About you
- Strong experience delivering end to end product development within a food manufacturing environment.
- Previous experience managing retailer or customer-facing development projects and customer expectations.
- Commercially aware with strong understanding of costings, margins, category performance and business growth objectives.
- Proven ability to lead multiple projects and priorities within a fast paced environment.
- Strong understanding of factory processes, scalability, operational constraints and factory ready product development.
- Passionate about food quality, innovation and delivering products that exceed customer expectations.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence customers and internal stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of market trends, competitor activity and customer requirements within the food sector.
What you will be doing
- Owning and managing the category innovation pipeline aligned to customer and business strategy.
- Driving delivery of commercially viable products from concept through to launch, ensuring alignment to customer expectations and commercial targets.
- Prioritising development activity and resources to focus on the most commercially valuable opportunities.
- Monitoring pipeline progress, launch performance, project risks and delivery timelines to ensure successful execution.
- Acting as the key NPD and Innovation contact for customers within the category.
- Leading customer presentations, innovation sessions and development meetings to strengthen customer relationships and position the business as a trusted development partner.
- Championing food quality, taste, and product excellence across the category, ensuring products are benchmarked against market-leading standards.
- Driving creativity and innovation while balancing commercial delivery, operational feasibility and customer requirements.
What we offer
An opportunity to join a forward-thinking and growing food manufacturing business where innovation, food quality, collaboration and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything they do. You’ll become part of a dynamic and supportive team with the opportunity to lead category innovation, influence customer strategy and develop commercially successful products within a fast-paced environment. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact by driving product excellence, developing high-performing teams and contributing to business growth through innovation and customer partnership.
Who we are looking for
We are keen to speak with experienced NPD Category Leads, Senior NPD Managers, Innovation Managers, Product Development Managers, Senior Development Technologists, Category Development Managers or Senior NPD professionals from the food manufacturing sector who live within Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Warrington, Wigan, Preston, Leeds, Liverpool or surrounding areas.
How to Apply
If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting re JO/TNT/2716 or call 0161 399 1575 / 07830 944145 for a confidential discussion.
NPD Category Lead employer: True North Talent Limited
True North Talent Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation meets quality. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects in food safety and compliance while collaborating with passionate teams. The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and provides unique benefits that support both personal and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Category Lead
✨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 True North Talent Limited.
✨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 True North Talent Limited!
✨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 True North Talent Limited, 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 True North Talent Limited, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Category Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at True North Talent Limited, 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 True North Talent Limited.
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 True North Talent Limited. 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 True North Talent Limited. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at True North Talent Limited
✨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 True North Talent Limited’s mission.
