Are you an experienced NPD Manager looking for a customer-facing role where you can take ownership of exciting development projects across retail?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-paced, international food business, working across NPD, EPD and blue-sky innovation projects. Working on a hybrid basis across Yorkshire and the North West, you'll manage customer briefs and tenders, collaborate closely with suppliers and manufacturing sites, and work alongside Commercial and Technical teams to take products through the development process. The role offers significant customer exposure, including weekly visits to a key customer in the Leeds area, alongside occasional supplier travel.

You will be responsible for, but not limited to:

• Managing customer briefs and tenders across NPD, EPD and blue-sky innovation projects
• Working closely with UK customers, suppliers and manufacturing sites to deliver successful product developments
• Collaborating with Commercial and Technical teams to ensure projects remain aligned and stakeholders are kept informed
• Supporting customer presentations, product panels, submissions and sample coordination
• Managing projects against critical paths and ensuring key development milestones are achieved
• Benchmarking the market, conducting competitor reviews and identifying new product opportunities
• Coordinating product consistency reviews and ensuring products meet agreed customer standards
• Supporting artwork, packaging and product approval activities throughout the development process
• Maintaining accurate project trackers and development documentation
• Ensuring products meet relevant technical, quality and customer requirements prior to launch

What's required?

• Minimum 5 years' experience working in a similar NPD or product development role
• A degree in Food Technology or a related discipline
• Experience working with major UK retailers such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda or Morrisons
• Experience within value-added chicken, breaded products, party foods and/or snacking categories
• Strong customer-facing experience with excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• A strategic and innovative approach to product development
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects
• A proactive, self-motivated approach and strong attention to detail
• Full UK driving licence and access to a car

A fantastic opportunity to join a growing international food business in a highly customer-facing NPD role, working across exciting innovation projects with the flexibility of hybrid working.

Do you think you fit the criteria?
Want to find out more about the role?

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