Our Client are a leading supplier of wholesale bakery goods based in Buckinghamshire who are currently looking for an inspirational NPD Manager to manage the ongoing development activity for the business, including new product and process development.

This role will report into the Managing Director or elected deputy. 

The NPD Chef will report into the NPD Manager.

KEY OBJECTIVES

• Leading, developing and implementing the new and existing product development process of the business, taking full responsibility of new products from concept to launch.
• Overall responsibility for the commercial success of new & existing products as well as the recipe development, packaging innovation and factory trials.
• Leading New Product Development team with passion and drive to ensure they deliver exceptional results that exceed expectations and help support the business growth and financial ambitions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Overseeing the identification, development, and onboarding of new products.
• Leverage consumer insights and feedback to drive product innovation and refinement, ensuring that new products resonate with target customers and drive sales growth.
• Conduct regular market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends, customer preferences, and unmet needs in the bakery market.
• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to source high-quality ingredients, packaging materials, and equipment necessary for product development and production.
• Analysis of market trends and customer data in their development of new product introduction and new product development.
• Develop and maintain project timelines, budgets, and milestones for all NPD initiatives, ensuring projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
• Ensuring any new Product Introduction is fully managed/supported by the Internal teams
• Product evaluation, onboarding, deliver product knowledge into both Sales & Service, and then ongoing assessment into support requirements and procedures and feeding into sales and marketing collateral creation.
• Presenting / holding / attending regular meetings and sharing sessions, across colleagues, peers, and clients.
• Determine key priority projects (6/12/18/24 months plan)
• Creation of appropriate roadmaps and ensure they are aligned with market / business needs.
• Sharing insights, findings and presenting recommendations and progress to Senior Management and NPD Meetings.
• Lead the NPD team across all development functions including, recipe development, packaging development and re-engineering of the existing range.
• Identify and manage the critical path from the concept stage to launch managing the project timelines for all related processes from other departments.
• Evaluate and drive the continuous improvement of the NPD process promoting best practice at all times.
• Motivate and develop the individuals within the team and oversee their personal development requirements and objectives.
• Proactively identify the requirement for innovation and renovation through regular and close contact with other departments.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, sales, production, and technical assurance teams to ensure new products meet brand standards, regulatory requirements, and profitability targets.
• Continuously assess and optimise the existing product portfolio to improve quality, taste, shelf life and cost efficiency.
• Working closely with production teams to troubleshoot any issues related to existing products, including formulation adjustment, process improvements and quality control measures.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Culinary Arts, Food Engineering, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Proven experience in new product development within the food industry, preferably in bakery or pastry products.
• Strong knowledge of bakery ingredients, formulations, and production processes.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Creative thinker with a passion for innovation and a keen eye for market trends.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and food safety.

To find out more about this exciting opportunity, please get in touch or apply with your CV today.