NPD Manager

NPD Manager * Location: Leeds * Category: Chilled and Innovative Food Category * Salary: Up to £50k * Hours: Full-Time, 40 hours per week About the Company: We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established and highly respected business in the food industry, specializing in innovative chilled products. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a company that is passionate about food and dedicated to driving product innovation in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. About the Role: As the NPD (New Product Development) Manager, you will be at the forefront of driving the innovation agenda, both internally and with customers. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will lead projects from concept to launch, ensuring that all products meet the highest standards of quality and align with strategic goals. Key Responsibilities: Lead Innovation: Drive the development of new and exciting food products, keeping up with the latest trends and ensuring a continuous quality-first approach. Project Management: Oversee the end-to-end process of product development, from initial concept through to factory trials, nutrition evaluation, and final launch. Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with Category, Commercial, Technical, and Operations teams to ensure a seamless product development process. Customer Engagement: Develop and present product innovations to customers, building strong relationships and ensuring their needs are met. Sample and Specification Management: Manage sample development for customer presentations and ensure all product specifications and artwork are approved on time. Essential Skills & Qualifications: Previous experience in NPD or process roles within the FMCG sector. A strong passion for food and a keen interest in food trends. Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. IT literate with good attention to detail. Desirable: Experience in chilled food manufacturing. A degree in food science, nutrition, or a related field. A valid driving license. Why Apply? This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and quality. If you are a food-obsessed professional looking to make a significant impact in the chilled food category, this role could be the perfect fit for you