At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new product development from concept to launch in the food industry.
- Company: Established food manufacturing business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to work with major retailers.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and enjoy opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by creating exciting new food products that meet customer needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD or technical roles within food manufacturing is essential.
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
- 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.
New Product Development Manager employer: Vickerstock
Join a well-established and growing food manufacturing business in Ballymena, where innovation meets quality. As a New Product Development Manager, you'll thrive in a collaborative work culture that values creativity and excellence, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Enjoy the unique advantage of working closely with major retail customers while contributing to the launch of exciting new products that meet high food safety standards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development Manager
✨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 skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to discuss your past projects and how you tackled challenges. Real-life examples make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you love, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly and express your interest in NPD roles. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website! We regularly update our vacancies, and applying through us gives you a better chance of landing that dream role in NPD. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Manager
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 from concept to launch. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of successful product launches or trials you've led. This helps us understand the impact you've made in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the point, especially when it comes to your experience and skills.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. 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 Food Safety Standards
Brush up on food safety regulations and standards like BRCGS. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge of these requirements will show that you take compliance seriously and understand the importance of safety in product development.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your project management abilities. Discuss how you've coordinated timelines, managed critical paths, and ensured successful launches in past roles. This will help illustrate your organisational skills.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, practice your communication skills. Be ready to explain how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams and managed customer relationships in previous positions.
