Job Description
NPD Manager
Department: New Product Development (NPD)
Reporting to: Managing Director
Are you passionate about food innovation and looking to lead the creation of cutting-edge food products? This exciting opportunity for an NPD Manager allows you to drive the development and commercialisation of innovative food solutions, ranging from prepared meals to food service products, for both local and international markets.
About the Role:
In this role, you'll spearhead the product development process, ensuring the creation of commercially viable, high-quality food products. Your expertise in food trends, regulatory standards, and sustainability will be key to staying ahead in a competitive market. Collaborating across multiple departments—including Sales, Marketing, Technical, and Production—you will ensure seamless delivery of products from concept to launch, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
Driving Innovation
1. Lead the creation of innovative food products that reflect emerging trends in Ireland and beyond, focusing on healthier, sustainable, and locally sourced options.
2. Continuously monitor industry trends to ensure the product pipeline meets modern consumer demands.
Product Development
3. Identify market opportunities and create high-quality, commercially viable food solutions.
4. Develop robust recipes that highlight local ingredients and ensure scalability for production.
Customer Project Management
5. Manage customer-driven projects from initial brief to production handover, ensuring timelines and specifications are met.
6. Implement the stage-gate process to maintain project efficiency and compliance.
Sensory Analysis & Benchmarking
7. Conduct sensory evaluations and market benchmarking to refine product taste, texture, and appeal.
8. Collaborate with internal teams and external panels to validate products for market success.
Sourcing Ingredients & Packaging
9. Source sustainable, high-quality ingredients in compliance with food safety regulations.
10. Work with suppliers and packaging teams to create innovative, sustainable packaging solutions.
Concept-to-Launch Management
11. Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, ensuring milestones and deadlines are achieved.
12. Collaborate with Sales to align product launches with promotional activities and market needs.
Customer Collaboration
13. Build strong relationships with customer NPD teams to deliver products that meet their specifications and quality expectations.
14. Maintain open communication with customers throughout the development process, responding proactively to feedback.
Presentation Skills
15. Present new product concepts and market insights to both internal stakeholders and customers.
16. Use your communication skills to inspire excitement and showcase the commercial potential of new products.
About You:
17. Proven experience in food product development, from concept creation to commercialisation.
18. Strong knowledge of Irish food trends, consumer behaviour, and industry regulations.
19. Passion for sustainability and innovative food solutions.
20. Excellent leadership, project management, and collaboration skills.
If you're ready to take your career to the next level and lead transformative food development projects, this role is the perfect opportunity. Apply now to make your mark in the world of food innovation