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- Tasks: Lead the product development process from concept to market launch, managing multiple projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on innovative food product development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for creativity and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food innovation while working closely with customers and cross-functional teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; experience in food manufacturing and project management required.
- Other info: Must have a valid UK driving license and be willing to travel.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are currently seeking a passionate and driven New Product Development (NPD) Manager to join our dynamic team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced professional to lead a fast-paced and innovative NPD department, playing a key role in shaping the future product portfolio.
You will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of product development—from concept creation through to successful market launch. You will oversee a team of technologists and work cross-functionally to bring exciting, customer-led innovations to life, ensuring they align with market demands, company strategy, and operational capabilities.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and manage the end-to-end NPD process, taking ownership of all development projects to ensure timely and successful delivery.
- Act as the primary point of contact for all NPD-related customer briefs, translating ideas into tangible, commercially viable products.
- Oversee project management of NPD initiatives, managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards and adherence to deadlines.
- Build and nurture strong, collaborative relationships with key customers, working closely with them to understand their needs and deliver tailored solutions.
- Liaise with cross-functional teams—including production, technical, procurement, and commercial—to ensure smooth and efficient product launches.
- Conduct ongoing market and trend analysis, benchmarking competitor activity and identifying emerging consumer preferences to drive innovation and business growth.
- Develop compelling and insightful presentations for both internal and external stakeholders, showcasing product concepts, performance, and potential.
- Lead, coach, and mentor the NPD team to foster creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Degree qualified in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.
- Proven track record of working within the food manufacturing industry.
- Strong background in product development and project management, with the ability to manage complexity and juggle competing priorities.
- Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with experience in developing and motivating teams.
- Creative and commercially minded, with a deep passion for food innovation and a keen eye for detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Proficient in trend analysis and consumer insight application, translating data into actionable product ideas.
- A valid UK driving license and flexibility to travel to customers and suppliers when required.
New Product Development Manager employer: White & Clayton Recruitment
Contact Detail:
White & Clayton Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the food manufacturing industry. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the NPD landscape.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends in food innovation. Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, and social media channels to understand what’s currently popular and how it influences product development.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple NPD projects and the strategies you used to overcome challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing experiences where you’ve coached or mentored team members. Highlight how you foster creativity and accountability within your teams to drive successful product outcomes.
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in product development and project management within the food manufacturing industry. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food innovation and detail how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the NPD Manager role. Mention your experience in leading teams and managing the end-to-end NPD process.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your previous roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. For instance, mention successful product launches or improvements in project delivery times that you have overseen.
Prepare for Interviews: Anticipate questions related to market analysis and trend identification. Be ready to discuss how you've translated consumer insights into actionable product ideas and how you’ve built relationships with key customers.
How to prepare for a job interview at White & Clayton Recruitment
✨Showcase Your NPD Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in new product development. Highlight specific projects you've led, focusing on how you managed the end-to-end process and overcame challenges.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since the role involves liaising with various teams, share examples of how you've successfully worked with cross-functional groups in the past. Emphasise your ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively.
✨Prepare for Market Analysis Questions
Expect questions about market trends and consumer preferences. Brush up on recent industry developments and be ready to discuss how you've applied market insights to drive product innovation.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
As a manager, your leadership style will be crucial. Prepare to talk about how you've coached and mentored teams in the past, fostering creativity and accountability while achieving project goals.
