NPD Project Developer (Food)
25 days ago
Elstree
Are you a foodie with a knack for project management? Our client, a leading supplier of value-added protein products to the retail, foodservice, and B2B channels, is looking for a driven NPD Project Developer to join their expanding innovation team. Reporting to the Project Manager, you will be the engine behind end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) projects—taking them from initial concept to a successful launch on supermarket shelves. This is a high-impact role involving direct collaboration with 3rd party suppliers and major UK customers including retailers, food service providers and B2B manufacturers. Key Responsibilities • Project Execution: Plan and execute projects across a diverse supplier and customer base, ensuring "on time, in full" delivery., • Critical Paths: Establish and manage critical paths, assessing customer timelines against ingredient and packaging capacities., • Factory Trials: Arrange and attend trials across the UK, EU, and internationally to ensure seamless full-scale production., • Documentation: Maintain accurate technical documentation, including trial results, QAS, development sheets, and specification writing., • Sample Management: Oversee all aspects of sample preparation, storage, and submission to customers., • Market Insight: Conduct supermarket visits to benchmark against competitors and identify new trends. The Candidate • Experience: 2–5 years in a similar role within the food industry, NPD or technical experience of working with protein or chilled products ideally, • Mobility: A full driving licence is essential, as the role requires travel to national and global sites., • Communication: Strong numerical skills and the ability to build relationships with technical, commercial, and operational teams., • Mindset: A detail-oriented professional with a genuine passion for food who can work both independently and as part of a team. Please note, our client is unable to provide sponsorship, candidates need to have full eligibility to live and work in the UK indefinitely