Vickerstock are proud to partner with a well-established FMCG organisation based in the Dublin area, a leading distributor of ambient food products, in the appointment of a Head of NPD & Technical.
Our client has built an outstanding reputation based on product quality, strong customer relationships, and a collaborative, forward-thinking culture.
This is a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering a 3–5-year innovation strategy, while ensuring robust technical governance across a diverse supplier base throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe. The successful candidate will balance strategic direction with operational excellence, leading a high-performing team and managing co-manufacturing partnerships to deliver compliant, commercially successful, consumer-focused products.
What’s in it for you?
* Salary €80-90k DOE
* Company bonus
* Company pension
* Employee product discounts
* Flexible working schedule
* On-site parking
* A friendly, inclusive & growth focused environment
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead the Innovation & Technical function to deliver agreed KPIs and budgets
* Drive the end-to-end NPD pipeline from concept to launch
* Shape and execute long-term innovation strategy
* Manage supplier and co-manufacturer technical relationships
* Ensure compliance with BRC and relevant food safety standards
* Partner cross-functionally with Commercial, Finance & Operations
* Lead packaging development projects in line with both consumer appeal and sustainability goals.
* Build and develop a high-performing team
* Other duties as may be required
What you will need:
* 10+ years’ experience in food NPD and technical management roles, ideally with branded FMCG businesses.
* Proven experience in leading NPD projects across fresh, frozen, and ambient categories.
* Strong understanding of food legislation, safety, and audit requirements (e.g. BRC, ISO 22000).
* Experience working with UK and EU co-manufacturers.
* Commercial acumen, with experience working with major retail accounts.
* Experience managing cross-functional teams and external factory partners.
* Excellent project management, communication, and leadership skills.
Get in touch:
Sound like the career move you've been after and would like to hear more, pick up the phone to Anna now on T (phone number removed) or send an updated CV - in Word format - via the link on the page (or email).
If this opportunity doesn't quite get the taste buds flowing but like me you are passionate about food, let's get a chat and see how I can help grow your career.
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