Junior NPD Manager

2 Sisters Food Group; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Health Assured EAP & Grocery Aid

Company pension scheme

Cycle2Work

Job summary

2 Sisters Food Group in Carlisle is seeking a Junior NPD Manager to assist the Heads of Development and Innovation and work with the Chef Team to deliver innovative products and manage existing developments.

You will collaborate with Concept Development, Factory Process, and Category teams from concept through to launch, ensuring quality, food values, and customer expectations are met.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in food innovation and product development.
• Excellent organisational skills to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Clear communication and presentation abilities.
• Experience in NPD, product development, or food manufacturing is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support Heads of Development and Innovation in delivering successful product launches across customer accounts.
• Develop and refine recipes in line with briefs, trends, and business objectives.
• Complete product panels and product evaluations.

Skills

NPD

Product development

Project management

Communication

Job description

Junior NPD Manager

Location: Carlisle

Working Hours: 08:30-17:00 (Monday-Friday)

About Us

Join 2 Sisters Food Group , one of the UK’s largest food manufacturers, with an annual turnover exceeding £3 billion and approximately 13,000 employees across multiple sites. We have a strong presence in poultry, chilled, and bakery food categories. We are committed to delivering high-quality products to the British public and our retail and food service customers, including major retailers like Aldi, Asda, Co-op, KFC, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, Morrison's, Salisbury's, Tesco, and Waitrose.

About the Role

As a Junior NPD Manager, you will support the Heads of Development and Innovation, alongside our Chef Team, to ensure the successful delivery of both innovative new products and existing product developments (EPD). You will contribute creatively to product development projects while helping maintain the highest standards of quality, food values, and customer expectations.

Working as an active member of the Creative Development Team, you will collaborate closely with Concept Development, Factory Process, and Category teams to bring ideas from concept through to launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Heads of Development and Innovation in delivering successful product launches across customer accounts.
• Develop and refine recipes in line with customer briefs, market trends, and business objectives.
• Complete product panels and product evaluations.
• Prepare production submission documentation for customer meetings and presentations.
• Support the planning, coordination, and management of feasibility and handover meetings.
• Review and assess new raw materials and ingredients for suitability and innovation opportunities.
• Assist with customer submissions and presentations, both on-site and at customer locations in London.
• Maintain a strong understanding of factory capabilities, manufacturing processes, and operational limitations.
• Work collaboratively with Concept Development, Factory Process, Technical, Commercial, and Category teams.
• Challenge existing products and processes, identifying opportunities for improvement, optimisation, and innovation.
• Monitor food and culinary trends through retailer visits, shopping trips, restaurants, exhibitions, market reports, food journals, magazines, travel, and industry events.

What We're Looking For

• A passion for food, innovation, and product development.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• A proactive and creative approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across cross-functional teams.
• Good attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of current food trends and consumer preferences.
• Previous experience within an NPD, product development, food manufacturing, or related environment would be advantageous.

Why Join Us?

• Work for one of the UK’s largest food manufacturers with a proud legacy – from launching the UK’s first ready meals to driving modern innovation.
• Be part of a team that values integrity, respect, and continuous improvement.
• Work in a collaborative, values-driven environment where your voice matters.
• Enjoy a competitive salary, opportunities for real career development and a benefits package that includes:
• Up to 33 days Annual Leave including Bank Holidays
• Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme and Grocery Aid, offering confidential support services 365 days a year
• Company Pension Scheme
• Cycle2Work Scheme