NPD Project Manager

Loughnanes of Galway; Galway; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in Galway is seeking a National Accounts Manager to lead New Product Development projects from concept to commercial launch. The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills, extensive experience in food manufacturing, and a solid understanding of food safety regulations. This role offers a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for career development within a supportive and innovative team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Career development and progression opportunities

Supportive, team-oriented culture

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an NPD or Project Management role within food manufacturing.
• Strong familiarity with BRC Global Standard for Food Safety.
• Solid understanding of food manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional NPD projects from brief through to launch.
• Manage factory trials, pilot runs, and first productions.
• Drive continuous improvement in NPD processes.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Food safety compliance

Organisational skills

Analytical skills

Education

Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition

Job description

National Accounts Manager / Commercial Manager

Role Purpose

The NPD Project Manager is responsible for leading and delivering New Product Development (NPD) and product renovation projects from concept through to commercial launch. The role ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements applicable in Ireland, the EU, and relevant export markets.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Lead cross-functional NPD projects from brief through to launch, coordinating activities across R&D, Technical, Operations, Procurement, Quality, Marketing, and Supply Chain.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets, ensuring milestones are met.
• Identify project risks and implement mitigation plans to ensure successful delivery.
• Chair NPD project meetings and provide clear, structured communication to stakeholders.

Product Development & Commercialisation

• Support the development of new products, reformulations, and cost optimisation initiatives in line with customer and business requirements.
• Manage factory trials, pilot runs, and first productions, ensuring smooth handover to Operations.
• Ensure scalability from kitchen/pilot scale to full commercial manufacture.

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all products and processes comply with BRC Global Standard for Food Safety, as well as other applicable standards and customer-specific requirements.
• Work closely with Technical and Quality teams to support BRC audits, ensuring NPD activities, documentation, and change controls meet audit requirements.
• Ensure accurate product specifications, HACCP assessments, allergen management, shelf‑life validation, and labelling compliance.
• Maintain compliance with Irish and EU food legislation.

Customer & Commercial Interface

• Act as a key point of contact for customers on NPD projects, where required.
• Support customer presentations, product submissions, and technical queries.
• Manage critical path activities to meet customer launch deadlines.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement in NPD processes, systems, and ways of working.
• Monitor post‑launch performance and support troubleshooting where required.
• Support innovation pipelines and long‑term product strategy.

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in an NPD or Project Management role within food manufacturing.
• Strong familiarity with BRC Global Standard for Food Safety and its application within NPD and product change management.
• Solid understanding of food manufacturing processes and product commercialisation.
• Excellent project management, organisational, and time‑management skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or a related discipline.
• Project management experience is desirable.
• Working knowledge of Irish and EU food regulations.

Personal Attributes

• Results‑driven with a strong focus on delivery.
• Collaborative and professional, with the ability to influence across functions.
• Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable managing change.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in a growing, innovative food manufacturing business.
• Career development and progression opportunities.
• Supportive, team‑oriented culture.