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.