At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting product development projects from concept to market in the food industry.
- Company: Join a dynamic food manufacturing company in Norwich with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a fast-paced team that values creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by launching consumer-led products that shape the food market.
- Qualifications: Experience in food product development and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
A commercially focused Product Development Manager responsible for leading end-to-end NPD and EPD projects within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. The role involves managing product launches from concept to market, driving innovation, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring products meet customer, commercial, and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead NPD and EPD projects from concept through to launch.
- Develop commercially viable, consumer-led products in collaboration with customer, culinary, and commercial teams.
- Manage project timelines, critical paths, and stage-gate processes to ensure successful launches.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams including operations, procurement, packaging, finance, supply chain, and technical functions.
- Ensure all products meet customer specifications, legal requirements, allergen standards, sustainability expectations, and quality standards.
- Maintain accurate product data, recipes, and costing information within internal systems.
- Identify opportunities for product improvement, cost optimisation, and operational efficiency.
- Oversee product handovers into manufacturing and ensure launch readiness.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across product development processes.
- Assist with packaging artwork approvals and compliance documentation.
- Manage budgets and contribute to value chain improvement projects.
- Lead, coach, and support the development team to maximise performance and engagement.
- Monitor market, consumer, and competitor trends to identify innovation opportunities.
- Support strategic product planning and customer-focused product roadmaps.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external customers through effective communication and collaboration.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Experience in product development within the food manufacturing industry.
- Proven track record of launching food products from concept to market.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
- Experience with product costing, budgeting, and supply chain processes.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and analytical skills.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Desirable
- Experience within relevant food categories.
- Experience working with geographically dispersed teams.
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Food Science, Business, Marketing, or a related discipline.
Personal Attributes
- Passionate about food innovation and consumer trends.
- Commercially aware, proactive, and solutions-focused.
- Collaborative, adaptable, and results-driven.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
Product Development Manager. Job in Norwich LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
As a Product Development Manager at our Norwich location, you will thrive in a dynamic and innovative food manufacturing environment that prioritises employee growth and collaboration. We offer competitive salaries, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional development, ensuring that you can lead exciting product launches while being part of a passionate team dedicated to excellence and sustainability.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager. Job in Norwich LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who work in product development. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for food innovation! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas on current trends and how you can contribute to their product development. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s not just looking for a job, but genuinely interested in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to product development. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager. Job in Norwich LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing and any successful product launches you've led. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about food innovation and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills:Since this role involves managing multiple projects, be sure to highlight your project management experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully coordinated teams and met deadlines in previous roles.
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, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Product Development Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the product development process, especially within the food manufacturing sector. Brush up on your knowledge of NPD and EPD projects, and be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully taken a product from concept to market.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare to highlight your project management experience. Be ready to talk about how you've managed timelines, critical paths, and stage-gate processes in previous roles. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to juggle multiple projects.
✨Communicate Effectively with Stakeholders
Since this role involves coordinating cross-functional teams, practice articulating how you’ve built strong relationships with various stakeholders. Think of instances where your communication skills helped resolve issues or drive collaboration, and be prepared to share those stories.
✨Stay Ahead of Market Trends
Research current trends in the food industry and be ready to discuss how they could influence product development. Show your passion for food innovation by sharing insights on consumer preferences and competitor activities that could impact the company’s product strategy.
