_{08th July, 2025}

Job Title: NPD Innovation Project Manager 
 
Role Overview
This is a key position within the Innovation & Development team, responsible for leading food innovation projects from initial concept through to full-scale production. The successful candidate will play a vital role in driving structured innovation, championing new ideas, and ensuring timely delivery of projects through a stage-gate process.
 
This role blends project management, technical know-how, and food industry experience to bring concepts to market that align with customer and business goals.
 
Key Aspects of the Role
Project Leadership

• Own end-to-end management of assigned projects, from initial idea to post-launch evaluation.
• Guide cross-functional teams through each gate of the innovation process, ensuring key milestones are met.
• Collaborate closely with technical, commercial, culinary, and operations teams.

Food & Technical Passion

• A strong understanding of food production, nutrition, and food safety is essential.
• A genuine interest in culinary trends, product functionality, and consumer insight will support innovation.

Innovation Involvement

• Play an active role in idea generation sessions, particularly in new product development and category innovation.
• Facilitate both process and concept ideation sessions with customers and internal teams.

Project Execution & Governance

• Run structured project meetings and maintain clear project records.
• Ensure clear communication with all stakeholders and secure buy-in throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide accurate updates on timelines, resources, and risk assessments.

Collaboration & Influence

• Support and coach other team members when required.
• Work collaboratively across departments and externally with suppliers and customers.
• Build strong technical networks and leverage expertise across the value chain.

 
Key Responsibilities

• Drive projects through the company’s innovation framework (from ideation to post-launch review).
• Conduct feasibility assessments, coordinate pilot trials, and lead factory scale-ups.
• Attend all critical trial phases, especially during production scale-up.
• Use internal platforms to document project stages and maintain visibility across departments.
• Deliver professional presentations to customers and lead on-site visits when needed.
• Provide regular updates on the project pipeline and proactively flag delays or bottlenecks.
• Lead internal project reviews and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Liaise with suppliers and customers to share insights and promote the organisation’s development capabilities.
• Oversee gate review meetings and ensure timely completion of all deliverables.
• Maintain high standards in cleanliness, safety, and operational protocols in all facilities used.
• Complete sensory evaluations, benchmarking, and product reviews as per innovation process.
• Undertake additional duties as directed by line management.

 
Key Success Metrics

• Conversion rate of projects from concept to commercialisation.
• Adherence to timelines and budget targets.
• Quality of reporting, communication, and collaboration.
• Feedback from customers and internal stakeholders.

 
Experience & Background Required

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in food manufacturing, product development, or technical project management.
• Educated to degree level in Food Science, Technology, or a related discipline.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering customer-driven solutions in the food sector.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent organisational and leadership skills.
• Proven track record in project delivery and innovation processes.
• Ability to communicate clearly across all levels of the business.
• Comfortable leading meetings, delivering presentations, and maintaining detailed records.
• Innovative thinking and a strong problem-solving approach.
• Proficient multitasker in a dynamic work environment.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Flexible and proactive attitude to meet project demands.
• Passionate about food quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Technical Skills Required

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (experience with Navision is an advantage but not essential).

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