NPD Manager

Your new companyA leading food manufacturing business in County Down is seeking an experienced NPD Manager to join its innovation team. Operating within a fast paced food production environment, the business is committed to developing high quality products that respond to evolving consumer trends, retailer demands and market opportunities. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future product portfolio of a well established and growing food manufacturer.Your new roleAs NPD Manager, you will take ownership of the end-to-end product development process, leading new product projects from concept generation through to successful launch. Working closely with Technical, Operations, Commercial and Finance teams, you will build and manage a structured innovation pipeline, ensuring products are commercially viable, operationally deliverable and compliant with food safety and legal requirements.You will be responsible for identifying emerging consumer and retailer trends, translating these into innovative product concepts and overseeing product trials, factory scale runs and launch activities. The role will also involve collaborating with customers, supporting commercial growth opportunities, maintaining awareness of industry developments and ensuring all new products meet allergen, nutritional, labelling and legislative requirements. This is a hands-on role offering a blend of creativity, project management and stakeholder engagement within a highly collaborative environment.What you'll need to succeedProven experience within a New Product Development role in food manufacturing, ideally within fresh or chilled food productionA track record of successfully taking products from concept through to commercial launchStrong commercial awareness with the ability to balance innovation, margins and operational capabilityHands-on experience leading product trials and working closely with technical and production teamsExcellent stakeholder management and presentation skills, with the confidence to engage customers and senior leadership teamsA genuine passion for food innovation, consumer trends, health and product provenanceA collaborative and practical approach, comfortable working both in development kitchens and on the factory floorWhat you'll get in returnSecure, permanent employment within a growing and innovative food manufacturing businessOpportunity to lead and shape the company's future product development pipelineSupportive working environment with a strong focus on collaboration and continuous improvementOngoing training and development opportunities through an established learning and development programmeFree onsite parking, staff discount scheme and a Cycle to Work programmeThe opportunity to work within a diverse and supportive team where innovation and personal development are actively encouragedExposure to key retail and food service customers while helping drive growth through new product innovationWhat you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.ukTPBN1_UKTJ