NPD Manager

Based in South Wales. Competitive basic & benefits

Company

An exciting opportunity to join one of the UK’s fastest growing chilled food businesses as NPD Manager is now available. Part of a wider European food group comprising of seven companies, The UK business produces high quality private label value added, vegetarian, free-from, plant- based and NPD driven dairy products. The business has a glowing reputation across the industry, and this been recognised through several awards. The business has a significant presence across the grocery multiple retailers, and they have some fantastic NPD in the pipeline. Following significant business growth and future business plans they are seeking an NPD Manager to join the team.

Job Summary: 

Working as a key leader within the NPD team of this busy factory the NPD Manager / Senior NPD Technologist needs to work closely with the commercial colleagues and then manage all projects through the development process to a successful launch

Throughout the process managing the critical path, customer expectations and ensuring that products are successfully launched, safe and inline with the company’s HACCP plan and meeting each individual customer’s codes of practice

The role requires the team member to liaise with all stakeholders and subject matter experts to ensure the timeline is achievable including the process team, specifications team, purchasing and operational team members

Key Responsibilities:

Tasks will include but not be limited to the following:

• Working closely with the commercial team on all projects
• Supporting in identifying new development opportunities in your customers portfolio with the commercial team
• Close communication with the customer leading all project calls and visits
• Represent the development team at both internal and external meetings
• Be a key contact with the customer development and technical representatives ensuring all communication is completed to the highest standard, answer queries and questions in a timely manor
• Ensure that all process development issues are considered into all new product development projects from concept to launch ensuring that products can be successfully manufactured consistently after launch
• Managing the critical path from ideation stage through to concept approval and to launch
• Ensure all product development meet internal business plans and approval at each gate is sought.  Documentation of the gate approval process
• Ensure all external customers brand standards, competencies and expectations
• Liaising with the production, planning and process team to ensure trials are successful, completed in the time required of the critical path and are fully documented
• Managing and coordinating sample submissions, nutritional and micro testing
• Writing and reviewing QAS and factory line standards
• Supporting with sourcing new ingredients
• Producing high quality customer samples
• Supporting with product specification writing
• Completing and documentation of over life standards
• Completion of factory worksheets and system updates
• Benchmarking the market
• Supporting the costing process and alerting the business to any risks in the ingredient of choice
• Comply with the sites HACCP procedures and develop products which fit into the allergen management plan
• Completing the post launch reviews
• Ensuring that all products are completely documented through the gate process and all required sign offs are received prior to the project continuing through the development process
• Advise the Head of NPD of any training needs of you or your colleagues
• Keep abreast of technical and legal updates
• Understand the market and consider any trends which could be incorporated into the development process
• Work closely with the Commercial team to pro-actively generate new business
• Management of the NPD Technologists
• Managing 121’s, appraisals, feedback and supporting the team
• Management of the Chefs
• Supporting direct reports workload and development

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• BSc in Food Science or equivalent related discipline
• Minimum of 3 years experience within the Food Manufacturing Industry
• Knowledge of a range of Retailers and their Codes of Practice
• Computer literate with working knowledge of computer applications / Microsoft Office
• Customer management experience

Desirable

• Management of people
• Audit Experience

Key Skills

• Well motivated, flexible and able to work on their own initiative and as a part of a team.
• Excellent organisational skills
• Able to prioritise effectively to produce positive results
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work openly and collaboratively at all levels.
• Able to motivate and organise effectively.
• Flexible approach.
• Systems Driven

Knowledge and desire to be present in the factory – this is not a “desk only job” 

If you would like any further information on this position, please contact Aidan Goodall on 01943 667280 or apply directly on aidan@fmcgselection.co.uk