NPD & QA Manager (12 Month FTC)

Are you an experienced NPD professional looking for an opportunity to lead the day-to-day development function while managing exciting customer projects?

This 12-month fixed-term opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing project leadership with people management in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You'll take ownership of the site's NPD activities, working closely with internal stakeholders and customers to ensure projects progress smoothly from concept through to launch, while leading and supporting the wider NPD team.

You will be responsible for, but not limited to:

• Leading the day-to-day management of the site's NPD function, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to customer expectations
• Managing and developing the NPD team, setting priorities and supporting successful project delivery
• Working closely with customers and internal stakeholders to manage development projects from concept through to launch
• Chairing project meetings and coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure effective communication throughout the development process
• Managing factory trials, ensuring all critical information is captured and projects progress through the agreed critical path
• Supporting customer presentations, product submissions, and technical documentation throughout the development lifecycle
• Working collaboratively with Technical, Procurement, Commercial, and Operations teams to ensure successful product launches
• Supporting investigations into customer and consumer complaints, identifying root causes and driving improvements
• Ensuring accurate project documentation is provided to support specifications, artwork, and product approval processes
• Monitoring project progress and communicating updates across the wider business to ensure priorities remain aligned

What's required?

• Degree in Food Science or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience
• Previous experience managing food development projects within food manufacturing
• Experience leading or mentoring teams within an NPD environment
• Customer-facing experience with confidence presenting products and managing relationships
• Excellent project management and organisational skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work across multiple internal stakeholders
• A passion for food, innovation, and consumer trends
• Experience within ambient food manufacturing would be advantageous
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

What's in it for you?

An excellent opportunity to take ownership of the site's NPD activities on a 12-month fixed-term contract, leading a team, working closely with customers, and delivering exciting projects from concept through to launch.

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

ID 232