At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative food projects from concept to launch with top UK retailers.
- Company: Market-leading food manufacturer known for its innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Flexible working, career progression, and the chance to shape future food trends.
- Other info: Travel between sites and retailers; work 1-2 days from home.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in food development.
- Qualifications: 3+ years NPD experience and a food-related degree required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
A market‑leading food manufacturer is looking for a NPD Manager to join its high‑performing innovation team. This is a career‑defining opportunity to work at the forefront of food development, partnering closely with one of the UK’s biggest retail accounts to deliver category‑leading products from concept through to launch.
Responsibilities:
- You will be the key contact for a leading retailer, managing the NPD process across multiple sites, driving innovation projects, coordinating critical paths and ensuring products are delivered to brief, on time and to the highest standards.
- Working closely with culinary, commercial and site teams, you will play a pivotal role in shaping future food strategies and bringing exciting new concepts to market.
Qualifications:
- To be considered, you must have a minimum of 3 years’ NPD experience within a fast‑paced food manufacturing environment, alongside a food‑related degree.
- Strong retailer experience, excellent stakeholder management skills, commercial awareness and a genuine passion for food innovation are essential.
- A full UK driving licence is also required, as the role will involve travel between manufacturing sites and retailer locations.
The role offers 1–2 days working from home.
Benefits:
This is an excellent opportunity to join a business recognised as a leader within its field, offering genuine long‑term career progression, exposure to major retail innovation and the chance to make a real impact within a forward‑thinking environment.
NPD Manager - Exclusive employer: Zest Recruitment
Join a market-leading food manufacturer that champions innovation and offers a dynamic work culture where your contributions truly matter. With a focus on career progression, you will collaborate with top retailers and cross-functional teams to drive exciting new product developments, all while enjoying the flexibility of remote work options and a supportive environment that fosters personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager - Exclusive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food industry, especially those who work in NPD. Use LinkedIn to connect and engage with them; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research the company’s recent innovations and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who can drive their NPD process forward.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be your next big break. Plus, applying directly shows your interest in being part of our innovative team. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager - Exclusive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the NPD Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in food manufacturing and any projects that showcase your innovation skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about food innovation and how your background aligns with our needs. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven innovation or improved processes in your previous roles. We love seeing measurable results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Recruitment
✨Know Your NPD Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the NPD process, especially in the food manufacturing sector. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you drove innovation. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Retail Experience
Since this role involves working closely with a leading retailer, highlight any relevant experience you have in managing retailer relationships. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with retail partners in the past to deliver products that meet their needs.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you’ve managed various stakeholders in previous roles. Discuss specific strategies you used to ensure everyone was aligned and how you handled any conflicts that arose. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate complex team dynamics.
✨Passion for Food Innovation
Let your enthusiasm for food innovation shine through during the interview. Share your thoughts on current trends in the food industry and how they could influence future product development. This will help convey your genuine interest in the field and align with the company’s forward-thinking ethos.
