NPD Manager

Humdinger; Sherburn in Elmet; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as an NPD Manager specializing in chocolate innovation. You will oversee product development, manage a team, and ensure compliance with safety standards. Enjoy a dynamic role in a creative environment with numerous benefits and a commitment to diversity.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension contributions

Life assurance

Health care plans

Employee wellbeing schemes

Qualifications

• Deep technical understanding of chocolate - tempering, viscosity, flow rates.
• Experience in managing delivery within a busy factory-led manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development at Sherburn site.
• Manage NPD team tasks for new product launches.
• Ensure NPD concepts comply with company policies and food safety.

Skills

Leadership

Creativity

Technical Mastery

Organizational Skills

Education

Background in Confectionery or Chocolate-based NPD

Tools

Recipe Management Systems

Job description

Chocolate Expert | Humdinger Sherburn LS25 6PJ | Driving Innovation From Concept to Launch

Full-Time | Leadership Role | Hands-On Innovation

Are you a chocolate expert with technical mastery in tempering, enrobing, and complex confectionery processes? Join our fast-paced, seasonal business partnering with top global chocolate brands to deliver innovative, high-quality products year-round. We’re looking for a hands-on NPD Manager to lead end-to-end product development at our Sherburn site. You’ll manage two technologists, oversee kitchen setup, and collaborate with cross-site teams, retailers, and brands to turn great ideas into reality.

• Build and maintain a strong network of contacts and relationships with suppliers of confectionery materials, using these to enhance and optimise product development and give the business a competitive edge.
• Ensure effective cross-functional collaboration with Process, Operations, and Technical teams to deliver factory-ready products on cost and right first time, in line with defined briefs and agreed capabilities.
• Lead the development, coaching, and training of the NPD team through regular one-to-one meetings, documented actions, goal-setting, performance reviews, and addressing training needs.
• Ensure NPD concepts comply with company policies, food safety and shelf life requirements, statutory hygiene legislation, and customer Codes of Practice.
• Manage the Sherburn NPD delivery process from concept to factory launch and PLR, ensuring all steps are completed on time and documented accurately.
• Identify the best recipe and recommend the most cost-effective process for new product concepts, using existing equipment where possible.
• Own, drive, and deliver Gate 4 within the NPD process.
• Ensure all new products have fully developed, trialed, and proven manufacturing processes before launch.
• Implement and hand over new product processes to the Operations team at launch, achieving the agreed manufacturing cost.
• Manage NPD team tasks for new product launches, maintain critical path timelines, communicate delays, and take corrective action to keep projects on track.
• Deep technical understanding of chocolate - tempering, viscosity, flow rates, coatings.
• Background in confectionery or chocolate-based NPD (cakes, biscuits, patisserie also considered).
• Experience in managing delivery within a busy factory-led manufacturing environment.
• Leadership experience with the ability to coach and grow a team.
• Highly organised, methodical, creative, and resilient.
• Experience working with leading UK retailers is an advantage.
• Familiarity with Recipe Management Systems.

Benefits include 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, pension contributions, life assurance, health care plans, and various employee schemes promoting wellbeing and development. Humdinger is committed to diversity and inclusion, offering flexible working arrangements and supporting community involvement.

Situated in Heckington (Sleaford), Sherburn in Elmet, and Bromborough, we are part of Zertus UK & Ireland Snacking & Chocolate Market Unit, collaborating with esteemed food manufacturers nationwide. Join us to be part of a flavourful journey where innovation, quality, and passion for snacking come together. Our brands include NOMO, Sun Valley Nuts, Kinnerton Kids, The Fruit Factory, Yum & Yay, Humzingers, and collaborations with Bailey's, Guinness, and Budweiser.

Humdinger is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Your application will be reviewed as part of our selection process. If shortlisted, a member of our Recruitment team will contact you by phone or email. The process may include a two-stage interview, possibly with a factory tour. Please inform us of any special arrangements or adjustments needed for your interview during the application process, so we can accommodate your needs effectively.