At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development and manage exciting projects in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Yeo Valley, a family-run business dedicated to sustainable and ethical practices.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive holidays, healthcare plans, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while working with passionate people.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in food NPD, strong project management, and teamwork skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
At Yeo Valley, we’ve been making delicious, organic dairy products for over 50 years. As a family‑run business, we believe in doing things the right way – sustainably, ethically, and with people at the heart of what we do. We are looking for a Process Manager to join our Central Development Team on a 14‑month FTC to cover maternity leave. This role will be based at our Newton Abbot site and the working hours are 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday).
Role
- Supervising existing and developing new site processes
- Lead the Product & Material reformulation site plan
- Supporting Capital Projects with Senior Process Manager
- Managing NPD/EPD site launches
Key Responsibilities
- Product Innovation Support
- Nominated site lead contact for Yeo Valley Process Development for internal and external projects associated with assigned site.
- Manage specific NPD projects from Gate 3 approval to Gate 6 Post Launch Review, ensuring relevant stakeholders are involved at the right stage and aligned, and the business has clear visibility on the NPD agenda for your allocated site and the state of play on current projects.
- Develop and maintain excellent customer relationships with defined retailers through a customer ‘intimate’ approach.
- Explain difficult or sensitive information and support more junior team members in this area.
- Present and discuss factory trial products with the customer and, where applicable, attend high‑profile pre‑productions.
- Manage trial requests from customers or internal colleagues for new business, new customers, product range presentations.
- Accountable for the results and performance of their site process team regarding NPD success and reaching targets/objectives.
- Assist the technical teams in maintaining the quality management systems and processes in line with legal, customer, company and other best practice requirements which create, maintain and improve the integrity and food safety and quality of all products manufactured.
- Conduct process audits and support root cause analysis when quality or efficiency issues arise.
- Own the Process Development Systems for your site and ensure they are always up to date, as well as managing and implementing the internal audit of these systems.
Essential Skills
- Technical Skills – Expertise in product formulation & sensory analysis.
- Project Management – Experience in managing multiple product development projects simultaneously, with a focus on meeting deadlines and managing resources effectively.
- Knowledge of Ingredients – Strong understanding of the functional properties of yogurt, desserts & ice cream, savoury or fruit.
- Teamwork – Ability to work well with a collaborative, cross‑functional team environment and lead in own area of expertise.
- Problem Solving – Leads the team with troubleshooting skills & guidance.
- Communication – Excellent verbal & written skills with the ability to present ideas and data clearly to technical & non‑technical stakeholders.
- Driver’s License – Essential due to multi‑site locations.
Qualifications
- Food qualification or previous food manufacturing or catering experience.
- Minimum 5 years of post‑graduate experience in a food NPD role, preferably within dairy, desserts, ice cream, savoury or fruit.
- Ideally have some people management experience.
Desirable Skills
- Industry Knowledge – Working knowledge of relevant legislation, criteria and food production industry standards (HACCP).
- Large Scale Capital Projects – Ideally experience in managing or supporting.
- Business Acumen – Commercial awareness with the ability to identify & maximise opportunities while minimising costs.
Personal Attributes
- Detail‑Oriented – Meticulous attention to detail in both product development and documentation.
- Adaptability – Able to work in a fast‑paced environment and adjust to changing priorities & project timelines.
- Analytical Thinker – Strong analytical skills, capable of interpreting data to guide decision‑making processes.
- Good IT skills – Microsoft and database systems.
Benefits
- Competitive holiday allowance
- Non‑contributory pension scheme
- Life cover
- Healthcare cash‑back plan
- Cycle to work scheme
- Subsidised Yeo Valley products and services
- Preferential rates with our partners
- Learning and development opportunities; we’re committed to ensuring all employees have the chance to grow.
New Product Development Process Manager (14 month FTC) employer: Yeo Valley Organic
At Yeo Valley, we pride ourselves on being a family-run business that prioritises sustainability and ethical practices while placing our people at the heart of everything we do. As a New Product Development Process Manager based in Newton Abbot, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation, alongside competitive benefits such as a non-contributory pension scheme and extensive learning opportunities to help you grow in your career. Join us in making delicious organic dairy products and be part of a team that values your contributions and encourages personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development Process Manager (14 month FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Yeo Valley. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Yeo Valley’s products and values. Show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission and can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on articulating your experience in product development and how you can bring value to their team. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Process Manager (14 month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Process Manager role. Highlight your experience in product development and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your expertise in product formulation and sensory analysis. If you’ve got experience with dairy products or similar, let us know! We love seeing candidates who can bring that knowledge to the table.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Yeo Valley Organic
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Yeo Valley's product range, especially in dairy, desserts, and ice cream. Familiarise yourself with their unique selling points and any recent innovations. This will help you demonstrate your passion for the brand and your ability to contribute to product development.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple NPD projects in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the results you achieved. This will highlight your ability to meet deadlines and manage resources effectively.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Yeo Valley values teamwork, so be prepared to share experiences where you've worked collaboratively with cross-functional teams. Highlight your leadership skills and how you've supported junior team members, as this aligns with their focus on mentorship and guidance.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP, and root cause analysis. Expect questions that assess your technical expertise in product formulation and sensory analysis. Being well-prepared will show that you can handle the complexities of the role.
