NPD Product Manager

Vickerstock; Dungannon; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A major food manufacturing company is recruiting an NPD Product Manager to lead the development of market-ready products from concept to launch. This role requires proven experience in leading NPD projects, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. The position involves regular travel between Northern Ireland and Scotland, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards while fostering innovation and continuous improvement.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Long-term career growth opportunities

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading NPD projects from concept to launch (minimum 3 years).
• Background in food manufacturing with retailer/own-label product development experience.
• Knowledge of the meat and added-value industry across multiple retailers.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full NPD lifecycle from concept through to launch.
• Translate customer briefs into clear project plans that drive growth.
• Lead project meetings, factory trials, and key development milestones.

Skills

Leading NPD projects

Cross-functional collaboration

Customer account management

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Presentation skills

Self-motivated and inquisitive

Education

Degree in relevant science

Job description

Vickerstock are excited to be recruiting for a major food manufacturing on the appointment of an NPD Product Manager to lead the development of innovative, market-ready products while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

The role spans sites in Dungannon and Glasgow and requires regular travel, with flexibility to be based in Northern Ireland or Scotland.

Role overview:

The NPD Product Manager leads the end-to-end development of new products, from concept through to launch, ensuring high standards of safety, quality, and commercial viability. The role is hands-on in early development, managing key milestones, factory trials, and customer submissions, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to deliver projects on time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the full NPD lifecycle from concept through to launch
• Translate customer briefs into clear project plans that drive growth
• Lead project meetings, factory trials, and key development milestones
• Prepare and deliver customer and stakeholder presentations
• Maintain accurate project data, costings, and documentation throughout NPD
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to meet timelines and resolve issues
• Build and manage strong customer and supplier relationships
• Oversee product launches, cost control, and stock management
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to inform innovation
• Ensure regulatory, food safety, and quality compliance
• Identify and mitigate risks while driving continuous improvement initiative

Your Profile:

• Proven experience leading NPD projects from concept to launch (minimum 3 years)
• Managed key customer accounts, including presentations and feedback
• Background in food manufacturing or related sector, with retailer/own-label product development experience
• Skilled in cross-functional collaboration (technical, operations, supply chain)
• Responsible for project costings, margin management, and risk resolution
• Knowledge of the meat and added-value industry across multiple retailers
• Strong organisational, communication, and team-working skills
• Self-motivated, inquisitive, and focused on continuous improvement
• Experience preparing and delivering presentations or reports to stakeholders
• Degree in relevant science or equivalent work-based experience
• Familiarity with NPD/workflow management systems and compliance with food safety and quality standards
• Experience managing NPD projects for major UK retailers is a plus
• Experience mentoring or supervising junior team members or apprentices would be advantageous
• Contribution to process or continuous improvement initiatives is valued
• Participation in industry award submissions or recognition for NPD work is a bonus

What You Can Expect

• Enjoy a competitive package with opportunities for long-term career growth
• Join a well-established, market-leading food manufacturer with a strong UK reputation
• Take ownership of exciting product development projects and drive innovation from concept to launch
• Work in a supportive environment that values teamwork, development, and continuous improvement
• Be part of a business that champions innovation, quality, sustainability, and customer-focused growth

Your next move

To learn more or to apply in confidence, contact Anna at Vickerstock on 028 9031 3720 or submit your CV via the link.