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- Tasks: Lead the creation and launch of innovative food products from concept to supermarket shelves.
- Company: Join a leading UK food manufacturer known for quality and creativity.
- Benefits: Exciting career growth, dynamic work environment, and a chance to make an impact.
- Why this job: Perfect for food lovers eager to turn creative ideas into delicious realities.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years in NPD or similar role; Food Science degree preferred.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with diverse projects and opportunities to collaborate across teams.
Are you an experienced NPD professional with a passion for innovation and a talent for bringing products to life? We\’re partnering with a well-established business in Buckinghamshire that is looking to appoint a confident and commercially aware NPD Manager to join their growing team.
Check all associated application documentation thoroughly before clicking on the apply button at the bottom of this description.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a proven NPD leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working closely with major retailers to deliver successful product launches.
The Role
As NPD Manager, you will take ownership of the end-to-end product development process – from concept through to launch – ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standard. You\’ll work cross-functionally with internal teams and act as a key point of contact for retail customers, presenting ideas and managing expectations throughout the development cycle.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and manage multiple NPD projects from concept to launch
Drive innovation aligned with customer and market trends
Build and maintain strong relationships with retail customers
Present concepts and product updates confidently to external stakeholders
Collaborate cross-functionally across technical, commercial, and operations teams
Ensure project timelines, budgets, and critical paths are effectively managed
About You:
Established NPD experience within a relevant FMCG or manufacturing environment
Strong project management capability with proven delivery of successful launches
Confident in customer-facing situations, ideally with retailer exposure
Commercially astute with an innovation-focused mindset
Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities
What\’s on Offer:
Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home, depending on business needs)
A collaborative and forward-thinking culture
The opportunity to make a real impact within an innovation-led business
If you\’re looking for a role where you can combine creativity, customer engagement, and structured project delivery – we\’d love to hear from you.
As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. xiskglj Applying to this \’one of a kind\’ role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)
NPD Manager employer: Zest
Contact Detail:
Zest 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, attend food fairs, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that NPD Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best product ideas and innovations. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your passion for food shine through.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to present your ideas clearly and confidently. Mock interviews with friends can help you nail down your delivery and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting opportunities waiting for you. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of a dynamic team that loves innovation as much as you do.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: Let your love for food shine through in your application! Share your favourite foodie experiences or innovative ideas that excite you. We want to see that spark of creativity and enthusiasm that makes you the perfect fit for this NPD Manager role.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored specifically to this role. Highlight your relevant experience in NPD or food manufacturing, and don’t forget to mention any projects where you’ve successfully brought products to market. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points for key achievements and make sure your ideas flow logically. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and showcases your skills effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply 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 gives you a chance to explore more about our company and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest
✨Know Your Flavours
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's product range and their recent launches. Familiarise yourself with their flavours, ingredients, and any innovative products they've introduced. This will not only show your passion for food but also demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to discuss your past projects and how you brought new ideas to life. Think of specific examples where you turned a concept into a successful product. Be ready to share your thought process and how you collaborated with different teams to make it happen.
✨Stay Trendy
Keep an eye on current food trends and consumer preferences. During the interview, mention any trends you've noticed and how they could influence future product development. This shows that you’re not just creative but also market-savvy, which is crucial for an NPD Manager.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in building relationships with stakeholders, whether they are suppliers, customers, or team members. Share anecdotes that illustrate your ability to collaborate effectively and how those relationships have led to successful product launches.
