NPD Manager, Highlands & Isles

Job Description

Are you an NPD Manager who is hungry for your next challenge?

Our Client, a leading food manufacturer and innovator is looking for a NPD Manager!

The role will lead a fully aligned NPD team at their largest group manufacturing site, ensuring a collaborative approach to the development of new products of high quality which are cost-effective and fit for purpose in accordance with the requirement of both the business and their external Customer briefs.

This well-known business are supplying their goods within and for many of the major retailers. You will be taking concept through to launch. This is hands-on and will be innovation at its best and highest levels.

Competitor benchmarking sessions lead post-launch review meetings and present recommendations. Keep an eye on market trends and manage projects. Developing products to cost and specification and to raw product availability. Factory trials both on-site and for new materials. Liaising and working in conjunction with the supply base to develop fit-for-purpose raw materials. Take all products from concept to launch. Sample preparation/ distribution to customers.

You will need to be highly creative, commercially focused and able to work with internal and external stakeholders. Be an experienced manager that leads by example, you will have at least 3 direct reports. Able to communicate at all levels and gain buy-in from stakeholders.

Ideal candidate requirements:
List which key characteristics the post holder requires for this position
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team
• Good leadership, management and mentorship skills
• Effective prioritisation and good Organisational skills
• A goal-orientated, customer-focused mindset
• A sound understanding of the NPI process and NPD requirements of a major retailer customers

Qualifications and training required:
Graduate calibre. Degree-level qualification in a Food or Science related subject
Previous experience required:
Knowledge and experience in retailer manufacturing standards, with a key focus on M&S, JS, Waitrose and Tesco would be seen as an advantage
Good level of project management skill
Personal Qualities/ Behaviours:
Excellent communication and influencing skills at all levels within the business

What’s on offer:
Salary: £45,000 – £50,000
Hours: Mon to Fri 37.5 hour contract
Annual Leave: 33 Days per year
Government Enrolment Pension

This is a fantastic opportunity for a highly motivated Product Development professional!

If you are interested in this position, please send a copy of your most recent CV to Simon Norris.
Due to the high number of applications, if you have not been contacted within the first 5 days your application has not been suitable.