Innovation Manager

VickerStock; Northern Ireland; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A food manufacturing company in Northern Ireland seeks an Innovation Manager to lead the Innovation Department. This role involves owning the NPD pipeline, overseeing product launches, and driving innovation aligned with commercial objectives. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in food NPD, strong leadership skills, and a passion for developing new products. Competitive salary and a supportive environment offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Supportive, family business environment

Qualifications

• Proven track record in NPD/Innovation within food manufacturing.
• Strong technical understanding of food/bakery processes.
• Commercial awareness with ability to balance creativity with operational delivery.
• Experience managing projects and successful launches.
• Strong leadership credentials and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the Innovation Department.
• Own and manage the NPD pipeline aligned with commercial strategy.
• Oversee successful delivery of NPI launches.
• Project-manage the journey from concept to launch.
• Monitor trends and customer insights for product innovation.

Skills

Innovation

NPD

R&D

BRC

Food

Job description

Overview

Vickerstock are delighted to be working in partnership with our food manufacturing client, a business with a proud reputation for quality, creativity, and reliability. They are now seeking an ambitious and commercially minded Innovation Manager to lead their Innovation Department. This pivotal role will take ownership of the New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI) pipeline, driving projects from concept through to launch and ensuring products are delivered on time, in spec, and ready for commercial success.

Working closely with Commercial Sales, Production, and Technical teams, you will blend creativity with operational excellence, helping shape the company\'s future growth.

What\u2019s in it for you?

• Opportunity to set and drive the innovation agenda of a growing, values-led bakery.

• A key leadership role with a direct impact on company performance and culture.

• Supportive, family business environment that champions creativity and ambition.

• Competitive salary and professional development opportunities.

What you\u2019ll be doing:

• Lead and inspire the Innovation Department, providing direction and coaching to the team.

• Own and manage the NPD pipeline, aligning innovation with the wider commercial strategy.

• Oversee the successful delivery of NPI launches, ensuring high first-run success rates.

• Champion process optimisation and manage scale-up/feasibility trials.

• Project-manage the journey from concept to launch, delivering against timelines, budgets, and key milestones.

• Work cross-functionally with Commercial, Production, and Technical teams to bring products to market.

• Embed lean and digital processes to improve efficiency, speed, and consistency.

• Monitor trends and customer insights to proactively shape product innovation.

What you\u2019ll need to succeed:

• Proven track record in NPD/Innovation within food manufacturing (bakery experience desirable).

• Strong technical understanding of food/bakery processes, scaling, and production.

• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance creativity with operational delivery.

• Experience managing projects and delivering successful launches to retail or foodservice customers.

• Strong leadership credentials, with a passion for developing people and fostering collaboration.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

What to do next:

Sound like the role for you? Call Anna today on , or send your CV (Word format) via the link or directly by email.

If this opportunity isn\'t quite right, but you\'re passionate about food innovation, let\u2019s have a chat to explore how we can support your career growth.

Visit our website for a full list of current vacancies.

Skills:
INNOVATION NPD R&D BRC FOOD