NPD Manager

Michael Page (UK); England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a talented Product Development professional to join their innovative team. In this dynamic role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage customer tenders, oversee product launches, and develop new products that meet market demands. Your creative and strategic mindset will drive innovation while ensuring compliance with industry standards. This forward-thinking company offers a hybrid working environment and a robust internal learning and development program, making it an exciting opportunity for those passionate about food manufacturing and product development.

Benefits

Hybrid working

Internal learning and development programme

Medicash

Annual bonus

Staff events

Staff restaurant

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Product Development within food manufacturing.
• Strong commercial awareness and market understanding.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to manage customer tenders and product launches.
• Oversee NPD sampling and ensure product integration.

Skills

Product Development

Commercial Awareness

Creative Thinking

Project Management

Communication Skills

Job description

About Our Client

• A manufacturer that specialises in processing and preparing fresh fruit products for major UK retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Waitrose.
• The company plays a key role in sourcing, cutting, packaging and delivering fresh fruit.
• The company maintains an AA+ rating from BRCGS and ISO 45001 certification.

Job Description

• Collaborate with Commercial Managers, Category, Procurement, and Technical teams to manage customer tenders, ensuring clear communication, timely execution, and stakeholder alignment.
• Work across various functions, including Technical, Account Management, and Category teams, to develop new products and support necessary trials.
• Stay informed about market trends, emerging technologies, legislation, and industry standards.
• Oversee NPD sampling and specifications, coordinating with customer technologists as needed.
• Assist the NPD technologist in developing innovative production methods for new products.
• Ensure seamless product integration into the facility by conducting trials and identifying areas for improvement.
• Manage product launches according to agreed timelines.

The Successful Applicant

• Proven experience in a Product Development role, within the food manufacturing industry.
• Strong commercial awareness and market understanding.
• Creative and strategic mindset with the ability to innovate.
• Familiarity with retailer requirements and standards.
• Ability to analyse and leverage sales and market data to support NPD decisions.
• Experience in supervising or managing a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with confidence in cross-functional collaboration at all levels.
• Strong project and stakeholder management capabilities.

What's on Offer

• Hybrid working.
• Great internal learning and development programme.
• Medicash.
• Annual bonus.
• Staff events.
• Staff restaurant.