Company description: ARYZTA is one of the leading international specialist food companies in the world. We specialize in baked goods as well as sweet and savoury food, and we are a global supplier to the food service, retail and Quick Service Restaurant sectors. Our impressive range of products and capabilities include a variety of breads and sweet and savoury food. This includes a variety of pies, quiches, glazes, sauces and appetizers. We operate 57 bakeries across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The group boasts strong brands and enjoys customer relationships in all of our regions and is driven globally by our strong customer-centric and investor-focused attitude. Job description: The Role Reporting to the Head of NPD Manufactured, the NPD Project Manager (UK & IE) will play a key role in developing and launching new and/or upgraded product concepts, project managing these concepts through the development process to launch on time, within budget and to quality standards. This is a fixed-term 18-month contract. In this varied role you will build strong relationships with key customer and internal stakeholders so as to be on the forefront of customer briefs and NPD teams within our bakeries. You will own the product relationship with key customers and be responsible for ensuring the ISB category is on point and remaining relevant with changing consumer needs. Core Responsibilities: 1. New Product Development: Ensure the business is at the forefront of innovation and aware of competitor launches and current food trends. Work with insights andcategory data to identify opportunities within the customer base and lead category reviews. Ensure that new products are developed in line with product briefs. Ensureknowledge of new product development across the group and the suitability of them for both UK & Irish retailers. Clearly communicate development briefs (product, price and technical requirements) to sites andcommunicatethroughout the development process. Ensure that raw materials sourced are in line with preferred supplierandcustomer brand standards. Ensure that all products developed are in line with company strategy and that all developments are well communicated tointernal functions. Ensure that product benchmarking and new product panels are being carried out both internally andexternally (with customers) across all categories. Set up products on SAP and work with Master Data to ensure a smooth launch is achieved. Work hands-on in the test bakery where required, baking samples for customer presentations and submissions. 2. Innovation & Market Awareness: Ensure a rolling NPD programme with aligned customer through projected NPD plans. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the food retailing market, eg. via trade press, food magazines & competitor shopping, to ensure development of cutting edge & market leading products. 3. Customer Skills Develop strong,lasting relationships with customers throughcontinuoscommunications viaupdates and NPD plans. Present new products andupgrades tocustomers in a professional manner, demonstratingbakery andfood ingredientprocess knowledge andexpertise. Preparesamples, presentation packs andany theatre required. 4. Other: Coordinate and communicate the status of all NPD projects. Ensure a close working relationship with the Commercial, Finance and Operations teams. Attend internal & external taste panels when required. Attend and lead weekly NPD meetings and attend site development meetings when possible. Evaluateraw materials. Conduct regular store visits. Ensure close working relationships withaligned sites. Be aware of and comply with customer brandand FSA standards. The successful candidate will possess: Experience in an NPD manager role with retail customer experience Love of food and deep knowledge of food trends Great project andtime management skills Skills andexperience of customer contact including presentations Drive andimpetus to go out,seek,and launchnew ideas Excellent interpersonal andcommunication skills at all levels Ablilityto workindividually and asa team player Need to be creative and have a thirst for knowledge Courage to challenge the norm Ability to create a favourable first impression, project yourself well and present with confidence An outgoing and confident approach MS Office working knowledge (Excel, Word, Powerpoint), SAP proficiency Demonstrate an above standard knowledge andunderstanding of food Excellent presentation skills What we offer: You will have the opportunity to join a dynamic and growing global food Company, work with inspiring leaders and be part of a supportive team. In addition, we offer a competitive renumeration package and great benefits: 22 days holidays increasing to 26 with service. 1 paid day for volunteer/community/charity work of choice 1 paid day for wellbeing activities Paid compassionate leave. Income Continuance (Illness) cover Life Assurance Cover. Maternity and Paternity top up Gym onsite. Free Parking. Subsidised canteen / restaurant. Free coffee and tea. Bike to work scheme. Mental health support including free counselling through our EAP. Further Education Sponsorship. Flu vaccine programme. Skills: Food industry experience new product development excel Benefits: Bonus Canteen Gym Life Assurance Mobile phone