NPD Manager Job Description
Summary
The NPD manager will lead product development from concept to launch, working cross-functionally with all teams to ensure a smooth and timely process. This role requires managing the NPD team and pipeline planning.
Responsibilities
* Product Development: Develop and complete recipe trials, taste paneling, production trials, and upscaling to first production runs.
* Stage Gate Process: Ensure the stage gate process at each key stage is completed within agreed timelines, ensuring products meet technical, price, production parameters, and are correctly costed.
* Benchmarking Sessions: Facilitate benchmarking sessions within internal teams.
* Customer Presentations: Facilitate customer presentations on and off-site, building strong relationships with customers.
* Innovative Solutions: Work closely with customers in delivering innovative solutions that are in line with customer expectations.
* Line Trials: Conduct line trials for new products and processes.
* Evaluation and Improvement: Participate in the evaluation of current products/processes and suggest improvements & implementation plans.
* Supplier Management: Liaise with new and existing suppliers to ensure adequate and suitable material/raw material is sourced, ensuring specifications for new materials and components for all projects are correct.
* Product Range Review: Review current product range and identify opportunities for improvements.
Qualifications
* Experience: Minimum of four years' food product development experience.
* Education: A 3rd level qualification in a relevant discipline - Food Science, Culinary Arts, Food Technology.
* Track Record: A proven track record of taking products from concept to launch.
* Standards Knowledge: Good knowledge of HACCP, BRC, and Health & Safety standards.
Key Skills
* Teamwork: An ability to work efficiently as part of a team, cross-functionally within an organisation and independently.
* Commercial Awareness: Commercial awareness, drive, ambition, and commitment to the Company and role.
* Presentation Skills: Ability to present and defend approaches in front of customers, suppliers, and auditors.
* Organizational Skills: Organizational skills with the ability to work effectively, plan, schedule, and execute a number of live projects in tandem.
* Adaptability: Ability to work to strict deadlines within a fast-paced environment, being able to learn and adapt quickly.
Estimated Salary: £60,000 - £80,000 per annum depending on experience.