NPD Manager

The Compleat Food Group; Ebbw Vale; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in Ebbw Vale is seeking a Product Development Leader to oversee the launch of new and existing food products. The ideal candidate will have strong process development experience, especially in chilled food, and possess excellent people management and communication skills. Responsibilities include managing product trials, leading sign-off panels, and ensuring product delivery meets quality standards. The role offers a range of health and lifestyle benefits, promoting a positive workplace culture.

Benefits

Competitive Car Allowance

Company Bonus Scheme

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Health & Wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Strong process development experience is essential.
• Experience in a chilled food production environment is required.
• People management experience is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead the launch process for new and existing food products.
• Manage development work across the site as per cost and timeline.
• Conduct product trials and manage product sign-off panels.

Skills

Strong process development experience in the food manufacturing industry

Experience in a chilled food production environment

People management experience

Strong written and verbal communication

Trial running / data analysis

IT skills including Microsoft Office

Education

HND/Degree in a food based/manufacturing subject

Job description

Overview

To lead the launch process of New and Existing Product Development at our Ebbw Vale manufacturing site, specialising in chilled dips, houmous, sandwich fillings, toppings and marinades.

Responsibilities

• Effective delivery of New and Existing Product Development scale up process from kitchen handover to launch in line with customer category plans.
• Accountability for all stages of critical path of projects, understanding implications and deviation effects.
• Lead factory product sign off panels with retailers and brand managers.
• Manage development work across the site to required cost and agreed timescales.
• Support refinement of product at kitchen stage and innovation agenda, taking lead in feasibility meetings.
• Lead organisation of process factory trials and support gathering relevant information from trials including run rates, weights, settings, labour, washouts and data logging.
• Lead process team documentation to support product development to an auditable standard including trial reports, post-trial analysis and nutritional comparisons.
• Lead the launch of products to agreed standards, including efficient handover of product, launch meetings and ensuring production has been trained to run the products.
• Initiate post-launch review working with Technical and production teams to solve any issues including quality and waste.
• Line management responsibility including regular 121 sessions, performance reviews, absence and disciplinary if necessary.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Strong process development experience in the food manufacturing industry.
• Experience in a chilled food production environment.
• People management experience and working with senior members of the business management team.
• HND/Degree in a food based/manufacturing subject (desirable), planning, organisation and project management.
• Strong written and verbal communication at different levels of seniority.
• Trial running / data analysis.
• IT skills including Microsoft Office.

Qualities

• A passion for food - Product tasting is required across multiple categories.
• Problem solving.
• Self-motivated.
• Flexible attitude.
• A team player with well-developed interpersonal skills.

About The Compleat Food Group

At The Compleat Food Group, we're proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, we're on a mission to create Food to Feel Good - great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat.

We're home to some of the UK's most exciting and loved food brands, including Wall's Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio, we're a leading supplier of delicious own-label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added-value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces and plant-based food to the UK's major retailers, as well as across foodservice. With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we're united by a shared ambition to shape the future of food for the better.

The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace. We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect, we ensure all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves to work. As an equal opportunities employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed.

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing, and career growth:

Benefits

• Financial & Lifestyle Benefits
  • Competitive Car Allowance
  • Company Bonus Scheme recognising performance and contribution
  • Salary Sacrifice Schemes - including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
  • 33 days' annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra
  • Holiday Discounts via our online retail platform
  • Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store
  • Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand
  • EV charging points - available at selected sites
• Health & Wellbeing
  • 24/7 access to GroceryAid for free financial, emotional, and practical support
  • Physical Wellbeing Hub - free on-demand exercise classes, gym discounts
  • Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes
  • Online wellbeing support - from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
  • Financial wellbeing tools - including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid