New Product Development Manager Job at Ballymena Full Time

Vickerstock are delighted to be working in partnership with a well-established and growing food manufacturing business in the Ballymena area on the appointment of NPD Manager.

This is a key role within the technical team, responsible for driving new product development from concept through to launch, working closely with major retail customers and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, commercially viable products.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full NPD process from concept to factory launch.
• Interpret customer briefs and develop commercially viable product solutions.
• Lead product trials, scale-up activities and first production runs.
• Ensure all products meet food safety, legal and retailer requirements.
• Develop and maintain product specifications, formulations and technical data.
• Coordinate project timelines, critical paths and launch activities.
• Liaise with customers, suppliers and internal teams to ensure project delivery.
• Support artwork, packaging and labelling development and approval.
• Troubleshoot issues during trials and drive successful product launches.

What you’ll need to succeed:

• Experience in an NPD or Technical role within food manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of retailer requirements and food safety standards (BRCGS).
• Proven experience managing product development from concept to launch.
• Experience running factory trials and product scale-up.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Criteria (it would be great if you have these but don’t worry if you don’t!)

• Experience within meat or chilled food manufacturing.
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or related discipline.
• HACCP Level 3 (or working towards).
• Experience with major UK retailers (e.g. Tesco).

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 028 9031 3720, 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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