NPD Manager

Lotus Bakeries; St Albans; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the baby food sector is seeking an NPD Manager to drive product innovation and optimization of their range. In this role, you will manage projects from inception through to launch while ensuring compliance with quality standards and regulations. Ideal candidates will possess a degree in a relevant field and have a proven track record in product development.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of NPD success.
• Good understanding of quality functions and packaging.
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to influence senior management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and project manage NPD from concept to launch.
• Support the development of the NPD pipeline and strategy.
• Identify and deliver EPD projects for constant improvement.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Presentation Skills

Organizational Skills

Market Knowledge

Innovation

Education

Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or Nutrition

Job description

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Kiddylicious was built on the firm belief that great taste is the key to developing a positive attitude to food in later life. So, we work hard to develop yummy, nutritious options that are specially created for weaning babies, tiny tummies and growing children.

Our Commitments

• Taste is at the heart of everything we create
• Our finger foods encourage little ones to feed themselves
• Our allergen-friendly range means that there’s something for everyone
• Portion-controlled snacks to ensure that parents are giving their little ones just the right amount
• We innovate non-stop – we push ourselves to introduce new options and greater variety for parents

We’re proud to say that Kiddylicious is now:

The #1 UK baby finger food brand with a 38% market share

Most bought baby finger food brand

Part of the Lotus Bakeries Natural Foods family of brands

Your role as an NPD manager is to the support the development and optimisation of the company’s product range in line with the strategy defined for the business. You will work on EPD for both products and pack formats as well as introduce and refine new innovative product concepts through the development process, ensuring that technical and quality standard are achieved and maintained. Working closely with all cross functional teams you will lead and project manage all EPD and NPD from concept to a successful launch.

• Support the head of NPD in the development of the NPD pipeline and strategy for the coming years by providing NPD expertise, advising on technical and operational requirements and sharing market knowledge.
• Project manage all NPD projects from concept to launch working closely with all cross functional teams, ensuring all timelines and criteria are met, to deliver truly innovate NPD, often working to tight deadlines and in line with the business strategy.
• Draw on existing and build new supplier relationships to source innovation.
• Identify and deliver EPD projects both on product and packaging to ensure constant improvement of our core product range.
• Be aware of the relevant food legislation and requirements for the product range, as well as offering guidance on packaging and health claim compliance
• Work closely with our manufacturing partners to ensure every product is produced to the highest standards, identifying and rolling out opportunities for improved practice.
• The role will require travel to our supplier base and relevant trade shows.

Alongside living our TOP values of Team Spirit, Open Dialogue, and Passion, the most important things we’re looking for from you are:

• Proven track record of NPD success
• Good understanding of quality functions
• Good understanding of packaging
• Good organisation and project management skills
• Strong presentation skills (with the confidence to influence at senior level)

You will ideally be educated to a degree level in food science, food technology or nutrition related discipline and possess previous product development and project management experience.

You will have a passion for product innovation, a creative flair, a good understanding of market trends plus possess excellent communication skills.