NPI & Process Lead - Food Product Launch Expert

Pilgrim's Europe; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe is seeking an experienced NPI Manager to lead the New Product Introduction function at our Linton site, taking concepts from idea through trials and into a successful launch.

You will manage the NPI team, coordinate with Product Development, Commercial, Operations, Engineering and Quality, ensure stage-gate compliance, and drive efficiency, cost reduction and on-time launches.

Qualifications

• Experience managing customer relationships.
• Proven experience leading factory trials and product launches.
• Understanding of product costings and commercial considerations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with exceptional attention to detail.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing legislation, food safety standards, and product labelling requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the NPI team through stage-gate processes.
• Coordinate product trials, validations, and first production runs.
• Ensure technical validations, shelf-life, and documentation are completed.
• Drive launches through project management and critical path control.
• Support efficiency, yield, and cost improvement initiatives.
• Maintain food safety compliance (HACCP, safety standards).
• Travel to support customers, sites and projects.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Process improvement

Education

Relevant food industry qualifications or significant industry experience

Degree in Food Science, Business, Marketing or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Microsoft Office

Job description

Pilgrim's Europe is seeking an experienced NPI Manager to lead the New Product Introduction function at our Linton site, taking concepts from idea through trials and into a successful launch.

You will manage the NPI team, coordinate with Product Development, Commercial, Operations, Engineering and Quality, ensure stage-gate compliance, and drive efficiency, cost reduction and on-time launches.