NPD Project Manager

While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.

NPD Project Manager – Food

Somerset | Up to £50,000 + Bonus + Excellent Benefits

Are you an experienced NPD Project Manager with a passion for food innovation?

We're recruiting for an exciting opportunity with a premium food business seeking an experienced NPD professional to lead the development of high-quality own-brand food products across a diverse portfolio. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing business where you'll have the autonomy to drive innovation, lead a small team and bring exceptional products to market.

The Role

As NPD Project Manager , you'll oversee the complete product development lifecycle, from concept through to launch, ensuring products meet commercial objectives, quality standards and customer expectations.

Working across bakery, dairy, butchery, prepared foods and ambient categories, you'll collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to deliver innovative products while managing multiple development projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of new and existing food products.
• Manage multiple NPD projects from concept through to successful launch.
• Assess commercial viability, costings, product formats and critical paths.
• Lead and develop a Junior Product Developer.
• Manage packaging development and artwork approval processes.
• Build strong supplier relationships and negotiate commercial terms where appropriate.
• Monitor food trends, competitor activity and emerging market opportunities.
• Work closely with Technical, Buying, Marketing, Retail and Merchandising teams to deliver successful product launches.
• Ensure products comply with UK food safety, allergen and labelling legislation.
• Manage project timelines, risks and supplier forecasts.

About You

You'll already have experience managing food product development projects and be confident working across multiple product categories within a fast-paced environment.

You'll have:

• Proven experience in a New Product Development, Product Development or NPD Manager role within the food industry.
• Experience developing chilled, frozen and/or ambient food products. xwwtmva
• Strong commercial awareness and product costing experience.
• Excellent project management and
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