At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting new product development from concept to launch in the chilled food sector.
- Company: Join a leading food manufacturer known for innovative chilled products.
- Benefits: Be part of a creative team with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the food industry with your passion for innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD management and strong customer-facing skills required.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with excellent support and career advancement opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established food manufacturer based in Hampshire who are looking to appoint an NPD Manager to join their growing development team. Opportunity to work with all the delicious bakery goodies, you must have bakery experience to be considered.
This is an excellent opportunity for a Senior Development Technologist ready to take the next step in their career and move into a more strategic, leadership-focused role within New Product Development.
The Role
As NPD Manager, you will lead the development of innovative bakery products from concept through to successful launch, working cross-functionally with technical, commercial, and operations teams. You will play a key role in driving product innovation while ensuring projects are delivered on time, to spec, and in line with customer expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Manage and deliver NPD projects from concept through to launch
Lead the development of new bakery products and product improvements
Work closely with customers and internal stakeholders to translate briefs into commercially viable products
Coordinate factory trials, scale-ups, and launches
Ensure products meet quality, cost, and regulatory requirements
Support and guide junior members of the development team
About You
Proven experience within bakery product development
Strong background delivering products from concept to launch
Currently working as a Senior Development Technologist or an existing NPD Manager
Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills
Passion for innovation and product development within food manufacturing
What's on Offer
Work with a progressive and innovative food manufacturer
Competitive salary and benefits package
Based in Hampshire
NPD Manager employer: Zest Food Jobs
Contact Detail:
Zest Food Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend food innovation events. Building relationships can open doors that job applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for NPD! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas and enthusiasm for chilled food innovations. Let them see your creativity in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent product launches. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their success right from the start.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and puts you one step closer to landing that NPD Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the NPD Manager role. Highlight your experience in chilled food and any successful projects 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! Share your passion for innovation and how you’ve built strong relationships with retailers. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills: Since project management is key for this role, be sure to include specific examples of how you've successfully managed NPD projects from concept to launch. We love seeing real-life applications of your skills!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Food Jobs
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the company’s chilled product range. Research their latest innovations and think about how your experience aligns with their offerings. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can contribute to their NPD efforts.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of past projects where you successfully managed the NPD process. Highlight your leadership skills and how you navigated challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
Since this role involves strong customer-facing experience, practice building rapport during the interview. Be personable and engage with your interviewers. Ask them about their experiences with the company and share your enthusiasm for working collaboratively.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Innovation
Be ready to discuss trends in the chilled food sector and how you can bring fresh ideas to the table. Share any innovative concepts you’ve developed in the past and express your excitement about creating market-leading products that meet customer needs.