NPD Project Manager

NPD Project Manger

North Wales - on site with some hybrid working (minimum one day a week), with national travel as required (would need to be able to drive due to customer locations)

Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm

Salary -£55-60k+

We are currently partnering with a growing FMCG Manufacturing business.

The NPD (New Product Development) Projects Manager is responsible for leading the development and execution of new bakery products, from concept to launch, ensuring alignment with retailer requirements and market trends. This role requires strong project management skills, deep knowledge of bakery production, and experience working with major retailers and packaging and ingredient suppliers to drive innovation and deliver products that meet customer expectations.

You will ideally have:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Culinary Arts, Business, or a related field.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in product development within the bakery sector (Ideally), with significant exposure to working with major retailers.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent understanding of bakery production processes, ingredient functionality, and sensory evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and influence key stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in market research and trend analysis.
• Knowledge of food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and labelling laws.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.
• Experience with innovative bakery technologies and sustainable product development.
• Familiarity with retailer private label product development processes.
• Certification in Project Management (PMP or similar) is a plus.

Here’s what you will be doing:

• Lead Product Development: Manage the end-to-end product development process for new bakery items, including concept creation, recipe formulation, trials, and commercialisation, ensuring products meet quality, safety, and cost standards.
• Retailer Collaboration: Work closely with key retail partners to understand their needs, align product development with their strategies, and ensure successful product launches.
• Project Management: Oversee multiple NPD projects simultaneously, managing timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure on-time delivery of high-quality products.
• Market & Trend Analysis: Conduct market research and stay updated on bakery trends to identify new opportunities and ensure the product portfolio remains competitive and innovative.
• Cross-functional Coordination: Collaborate with internal teams including R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, and Production to ensure smooth product development and launch.
• Supplier Management: Liaise with ingredient suppliers to source new materials, negotiate costs, and ensure the quality of ingredients meets product specifications.
• Product Testing & Improvement: Manage product trials, taste panels, and sensory evaluations, adjusting formulations as necessary based on feedback.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all products comply with relevant food safety standards, labeling regulations, and retailer-specific requirements.
• Reporting & Documentation: Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including product specifications, timelines, and post-launch evaluations.