At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovation in product development and manage a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a top UK chilled food group with exciting growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a vibrant work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a rapidly expanding team with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food innovation and build strong customer relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD within food manufacturing and strong leadership skills.
Join one of the UK's most reputable chilled food groups as their next New Product Development Manager, at a site that has secured a multiple million pound investment and is rapidly expanding. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced NPD professional to take the lead on innovation, drive real commercial impact and be a key face of the business in front of customers.
As NPD Manager, you will own and drive the NPD and Innovation programme across the site, managing a robust Stage & Gate process that delivers products right first time, on brief and on time. You will build a proactive innovation pipeline covering NPD, EPD and new concepts, aligned to business strategy, food trends and category insight, while ensuring every product delivers on eating quality, operational capability, food safety and commercial viability.
You will be a key customer-facing representative for the business, leading presentations, benchmarking sessions and product showcases, and building strong, lasting relationships with major retailer and customer teams. Confidence in front of the customer is essential, as is the ability to manage critical paths effectively, keep launch plans on track and communicate project status, risks and mitigation plans clearly and proactively.
Leading a team including a Senior NPD Technologist, Junior NPD Technologist and NPD Apprentice, you will coach and develop your team, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement, while working closely with Operations, Technical, Commercial, Procurement and Planning to keep everything moving in the right direction.
To succeed in this role, you will bring solid NPD experience gained within food manufacturing, ideally chilled, along with a genuine passion for food, strong commercial awareness and a track record of managing teams and customer relationships with confidence.
NPD Manager in Beverley employer: Zest
Join a well-established food manufacturing business in the Grimsby area, where you will be part of a dynamic engineering team dedicated to maintaining high standards of production and safety. With a competitive salary and opportunities for continuous improvement projects, this role offers a supportive work culture that values employee growth and development. Enjoy the benefits of working in a thriving industry that prioritises innovation and teamwork, making it an excellent place for skilled engineers to advance their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager in Beverley
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Zest.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Zest!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Zest, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Zest, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager in Beverley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Zest, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Zest.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Zest. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Zest. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Zest’s mission.
