NPD Manager North Dublin Fulltime/Permanent
Location: North Dublin, Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm
About the Role:
We are seeking a highly skilled NPD Manager to join our client's team in North Dublin. As an NPD Manager, you will lead the development of innovative, market-ready food products.
Main Responsibilities:
* Innovation Leadership & Product Development:
o Drive the creation of innovative, high-quality food products, focusing on market trends, consumer preferences, and sustainability.
o Lead the NPD team, fostering collaboration and ensuring a strong pipeline of trend-driven, scalable product solutions.
* Cross-Functional Collaboration & Customer Engagement:
o Partner with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and technical teams to align product development with company goals and customer needs.
o Manage customer projects from concept to launch, ensuring quality, adherence to timelines, and satisfaction.
* Sustainable Sourcing & Sensory Excellence:
o Source sustainable ingredients and packaging while meeting safety and regulatory standards.
o Conduct sensory analyses and benchmarking to refine products for superior taste, texture, and market competitiveness.
* Project & Process Management:
o Oversee the end-to-end product development process, including market research, concept creation, and commercialization.
o Implement stage-gate processes and ensure efficient resource allocation to meet profitability and production goals.
* Communication & Reporting:
o Present product concepts, insights, and progress to stakeholders and customers, inspiring confidence in innovation efforts.
o Maintain detailed documentation and provide regular updates on project milestones and key learnings.
Requirements:
* Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.
* At least 4 years of experience in new product development within food manufacturing.
* Proven expertise in ingredient sourcing, recipe formulation, sensory analysis, and product gap analysis.
* Strong knowledge of product scalability, cost management, and stage-gate development processes.
* Experience leading cross-functional teams and collaborating with customers on market-ready products.
* Familiarity with sustainability practices in food sourcing and packaging, especially in Irish and European markets.
What We Offer:
* Competitive salary DOE
* 20 days annual leave
* Free meals on site
* Continuous career development
* Bike to work scheme
* Retail discount card