Innovation Director, Dairy NPD & Growth

Yeo Valley Production Ltd; Highweek; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

Yeo Valley Production Ltd is seeking a Senior Innovation Manager to lead the Innovation Development function at our Newton Abbot site. You will own multi-category product launches, drive innovation with senior leadership, and ensure rigorous evaluation of new and existing products in ice cream and desserts.

You will work with cross-functional teams to deliver trend-led concepts, set strategic demand pillars, and oversee capital projects while maintaining regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Food NPD experience, preferably in dairy, desserts or ice cream.
• Experience leading multiple product development projects with deadlines.
• Strong knowledge of ingredients used in yogurt, desserts and ice cream.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and mentor others.
• Excellent communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Empower and lead the Innovation Development function and act as senior contact for internal/external projects.
• Lead NPD projects from Gate 0 to Gate 2 and identify platforms for new opportunities.
• Oversee multiple critical paths, manage risks and ensure on-time launches across the portfolio.
• Collaborate with Head of Process, R&D, Technical, Sourcing and Operations on new products and processes.
• Drive cost efficiency and profitability through clever concept development and best practices.

Skills

Product trends

Food vision

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Team leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Food qualification or dairy/food experience

Job description

Yeo Valley Production Ltd is seeking a Senior Innovation Manager to lead the Innovation Development function at our Newton Abbot site. You will own multi-category product launches, drive innovation with senior leadership, and ensure rigorous evaluation of new and existing products in ice cream and desserts.

You will work with cross-functional teams to deliver trend-led concepts, set strategic demand pillars, and oversee capital projects while maintaining regulatory standards.