NPD Manager – Food Innovation Lead (Maternity)

Deli-Lites-Ireland-Limited; Newry; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

Discounted company products

Free on-site parking

EAP and Well-Being

Job summary

DELI LITES IRELAND is seeking an NPD Manager (Maternity Cover) to drive the "Food on the Move" innovation strategy. You will manage multiple NPD/EPD projects from concept through launch, coordinating with Head of NPD and key stakeholders to ensure on-time delivery while upholding quality, legality and authenticity across products.

You will lead a team of NPD Technologists, manage budgets and KPIs, and integrate new products into Operations with thorough handovers and post-launch reviews.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in food product development and NPD/EPD projects from concept to launch.
• Experience managing development budgets and projects with measurable commercial outcomes.
• Strong project and portfolio management with timely delivery and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Proactively driving NPD/EPD projects aligned with strategic plan and ensuring timely delivery.
• Create project plans, allocate teams and responsibilities, manage critical paths.
• Lead on implementing NPD systems, processes and software for improved NPD outcomes.
• Oversee product handover to Operations and post-launch follow-ups.
• Coordinate sample submissions to customers and work with chefs for product info.
• Stay in touch with market trends and new concepts to inform development.
• Lead benchmarking, produce reports, and provide stakeholder feedback.
• Maintain comprehensive NPD/EPD documentation, including legal compliance.

Skills

Project management

NPD

Food product development

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Budget management

ERP systems

MS Office

PowerPoint

Communication

Education

Degree in Food Science

Tools

Intact ERP

Job description

DELI LITES IRELAND is seeking an NPD Manager (Maternity Cover) to drive the "Food on the Move" innovation strategy. You will manage multiple NPD/EPD projects from concept through launch, coordinating with Head of NPD and key stakeholders to ensure on-time delivery while upholding quality, legality and authenticity across products.

You will lead a team of NPD Technologists, manage budgets and KPIs, and integrate new products into Operations with thorough handovers and post-launch reviews.