NPD Manager

drnewitt.vincere.io

Dunstable

On-site

GBP 40,000 - 52,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Performance bonus

Job summary

Signature Flatbreads in Dunstable seeks an NPD Manager to drive new product concepts from idea to launch, ensuring cost, quality, and timelines. You will build strong customer relationships and guide cross-functional teams through development, briefs and trials, with a hands-on kitchen remit when required.

Ideal candidates have 1-5+ years in NPD with retail experience, a food science degree, and excellent project and time management capabilities.

Qualifications

1-5+ years experience in an NPD manager role with retail customer experience.
Food science degree required.
Strong project and time management skills.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills at all levels.
Willingness to work hands-on in the kitchen when required.

Responsibilities

Develop and launch new product concepts, guiding them through development to launch.
Collaborate with internal teams to deliver best in class NPD and EPD.
Ensure products meet price, quality, and technical parameters via feasibility checks.
Manage handover to sites and oversee first factory trials with the process team.
Benchmark recipes, source materials per supplier standards, and update plans regularly.
Present new products to customers with professional knowledge of bakery and ingredients.

Skills

NPD management

Stakeholder management

Project planning

Food industry knowledge

Presentation skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Time management

Communication skills

Hands-on kitchen work

Creativity

Education

Food science degree

Job description

Job Details

Job Title: NPD Manager
Reporting to: Head of NPD & R&D
Aligned to: Signature Flatbreads
Location: Dunstable
Package: C£40k+ + pension + Bonus
Date: 14.07.26

Job Purpose

To develop and launch new product concepts, driving these concepts through the development process to launch on time and to cost, ensuring that Quality standards are upheld. Building relationships with key stakeholders within the customer base so as to be first in their thoughts for new briefs

People Management and great communication skills advantageous

Knowledge of bakery advantageous however not essential however a passion for food and a drive to succeed is!

Time management skills absolutely necessary and following customer critical paths and internal process a requirement.

3 Days minimum at Dunstable site, 2 days flexible working

Accountabilities

New Product Development

To ensure the business is at the forefront of innovation and aware of new competitor launches and current food trends.
To be part of the customer business unit, working alongside all internal functions to deliver best in class NPD.
To ensure that all new products are developed in line with product briefs. These must be commercial work in practice.
To take ownership of the NPD process by helping put in place procedures and a clear workable process, which is clearly defined within the business. Ensure compliance and communication at each stage effectively both internally & externally.
To ensure that all raw materials sourced are in line with preferred suppliers & customer brand standards.
To ensure that customer presentations are carried out professionally and knowledgeably at all times.
To manage the delivery of NPD from concept to launch including managing customer visits.
To ensure that all developments satisfy price, quality, technical & operational parameters by means of a feasibility process.
Ensure that all products developed are in line with company strategy
Ensure that all developments are well communicated to all internal functions
Ensure all customer NPD/EPD plans are regularly reviewed & updated
Modify existing recipes to the given requirements eg. upgrading, reducing cost, reducing salt etc.
To ensure that product benchmarking and new product panels are being carried out both internally & externally (with customers)
Ensure a smooth handover to the respective site by way of a handover meeting. Follow products through to 1st factory trials with the process team and then launch.
Work hands-on in the kitchen when required.
Ensure that the team work with a “can-do” attitude challenging and innovating ahead of our competitors
Modify recipes(EPD) post trials when necessary
Work closely with account managers to bring direction & NPD focus

Innovation & Market Awareness

To ensure a rolling NPD/EPD programme with aligned customer through projected plans
To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the food retailing market, eg. via trade press, food magazines & competitor shopping, to ensure development of cutting edge & market leading products.
Carry out all necessary benchmarking activity on a regular basis.
Attend/Lead innovation, brainstorming & ingredient workshops when required.
To have a strong awareness of consumer trends – work closely with marketing to improve customer insight

Customer Skills

Develop strong & lasting relationships with customers by continual communications by way of updates on NPD & EPD plans
Present new products & upgrades to the customer in a professional manner, demonstrating your bakery, food ingredient & process knowledge & expertise. Preparing samples, presentation packs & any theatre required.

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