At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new product development from concept to launch in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a well-established and growing food manufacturing business in Ballymena.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to work with major retailers.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional teams and lead product trials.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing innovative food products that meet customer needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD or Technical roles within food manufacturing and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Vickerstock are delighted to be working in partnership with a well-established and growing food manufacturing business in the Ballymena area on the appointment of NPD Manager. This is a key role within the technical team, responsible for driving new product development from concept through to launch, working closely with major retail customers and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, commercially viable products.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the full NPD process from concept to factory launch.
- Interpret customer briefs and develop commercially viable product solutions.
- Lead product trials, scale-up activities and first production runs.
- Ensure all products meet food safety, legal and retailer requirements.
- Develop and maintain product specifications, formulations and technical data.
- Coordinate project timelines, critical paths and launch activities.
- Liaise with customers, suppliers and internal teams to ensure project delivery.
- Support artwork, packaging and labelling development and approval.
- Troubleshoot issues during trials and drive successful product launches.
What you’ll need to succeed:
- Experience in an NPD or Technical role within food manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of retailer requirements and food safety standards (BRCGS).
- Proven experience managing product development from concept to launch.
- Experience running factory trials and product scale-up.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable Criteria (it would be great if you have these but don’t worry if you don’t!):
- Experience within meat or chilled food manufacturing.
- Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or related discipline.
- HACCP Level 3 (or working towards).
- Experience with major UK retailers (e.g. Tesco).
Get in touch: Sound like the career move you've been after and would like to hear more, pick up the phone to Anna now on T 028 9031 3720, or send an updated CV - in Word format - via the link on the page (or email). If this opportunity doesn't quite get the taste buds flowing but like me you are passionate about food, let's get a chat and see how I can help grow your career.
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A FULL LIST OF OUR CURRENT VACANCIES.
New Product Development Manager in Ballymena employer: Vickerstock
Vickerstock is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Ballymena's thriving food manufacturing sector. With a strong focus on employee development and collaboration, we provide our team with opportunities to lead innovative projects that shape the future of food products while ensuring compliance with the highest safety standards. Join us to be part of a supportive culture that values creativity and professional growth, making every day at work both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development Manager in Ballymena
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who work with NPD. A casual chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for food! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for product development shine through. It’s all about making that personal connection.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by knowing the company inside out. Understand their products and values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Manager in Ballymena
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the NPD Manager role. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing and any relevant projects you've managed. 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 explain why you're passionate about food and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing enthusiasm and personality!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples of product development from concept to launch. We want to know how you've tackled challenges and delivered results in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can check out other vacancies while you're there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vickerstock
✨Know Your NPD Process
Make sure you can clearly articulate the new product development process from concept to launch. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences managing this process, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Understand Retailer Requirements
Familiarise yourself with the specific retailer requirements and food safety standards relevant to the role. This will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also proactive about ensuring compliance in your product development.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your project management and organisational skills. Discuss how you've coordinated timelines and critical paths in past roles, and be ready to explain how you keep projects on track.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, practice your communication skills. Be prepared to demonstrate how you’ve successfully managed relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal teams in previous positions.
