New Product Development Manager | Preston

Management of the NPD process to ensure new and re-developed products are launched successfully, delivered efficiently and in a timely and cost-effective manner for the business in line with customer codes of practice and in conjunction with all appropriate stakeholders

• Liaising and communicating with the Customer to develop strong and positive relationships with key personnel
• Working closely with the Development Chefs and the Commercial Team to ensure that all information is co-owned, co-approved and appropriate to the brief
• Product concepts from the Development Chefs are scaled up in the factory in a professional and organised manner for timely and accurate presentation to the customer
• Working with other site disciplines to ensure the food safety, quality and legality of all new and modified products
• Ensuring the appropriate maintenance of records of NPD activities to ensure audit compliance in NPD & EPD activities
• Working proactively within the scope of relevant food trends and innovation, in collaboration with the Development Chefs, Marketing Team and the Customer
• Working proactively with respect to new processes, machinery, capabilities and product improvement. This includes the undertaking of R&D projects, as appropriate
• Liaising and communicating with suppliers, third parties & external providers of expertise.
• Liaising and communicating with all internal stakeholders to develop and deliver food-safe, legally compliant new and modified lines from the site

• 2years + Food industry experience, preferably in a Product Development role.
• Science/ Food Science/ other related discipline qualification at higher education level, OR equivalent experience in industry.
• Exposure to the understanding of foodservice/ retail customers ways of working, including some of the ‘Big 4’ UK retailers.
• Organisational skills to enable the management and development of multiple projects
• Understanding and working knowledge of food science and manufacturing process
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal at all levels
• Ability to work effectively within a team and on your own initiative
• Willing to build knowledge base above and beyond core experience
• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel to UK sites/customers as required to fulfil job role