Product Manager / Senior NPD Technologist

Based in South Wales. Competitive basic & benefits.

Company

An exciting opportunity to join one of the UK’s fastest growing chilled food businesses as Product Manager / Senior NPD Technologist 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 a Product Manager / Senior NPD Technologist to join the team.

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

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