Vickerstock is thrilled to collaborate with our Food Manufacturing client, Ireland's fastest-growing company in their sector, known for their industry-leading products. We are supporting them in the appointment of an NPD Manager for their site near Dungannon.

Reporting to the Commercial Director, the successful NPD Manager you will develop commercial products to meet customer requirements and develop innovative, firs tot mark products and processes to ensure the business remains competitive.

What your day to day will look like:

• Manage the product development process from concept to launch.
• Develop commercially viable products to meet customer briefs.
• Review existing product recipes to maintain or improve product quality without jeopardising profitability.
• Implement a Product Development Process into the business which dovetails with the other departments.
• Develop relationships with all departments of the business:
• Marketing/Sales: to develop products to meet market strategy and help develop the product vision and positioning.
• Technical: to develop products in line with HACCP, Health & Safety standards and food regulations.
• Production: ensure products can be manufactured within current machine capability and to agreed specification.
• Purchasing: work closely to ensure raw materials meet specification and are commercially viable.
• Engineering: to modify existing machinery or purchase new machinery to manufacture profitable products which provide the business with a USP within a competitive marketplace.
• Develop relationships with raw material suppliers to ensure sustainable supply of quality ingredients and the flow of information on new raw material availability.
• Document and communicate customer and internal project information on a weekly / monthly basis.
• Plan and execute production trials in conjunction with the production and technical teams.
• Manage monthly business report to management: i.e. current development project status, new innovative project ideas, raw material investigations.
• Manage annual Product Development budget.
• Manage Annual Routine Palatability schedule.
• Develop and set up an internal palatability forum for testing of new products or recipe changes.
• Develop and set up palatability testing within Northern Ireland for the testing of new products and recipe changes.
• Investigate and ensure products are developed to adhere and meet food legislation.
• Attendance at exhibitions to source new raw materials and new suppliers.
• Promote the company by building on the existing quality and customer service reputation.
• Any other duties, within reason and capability, as determined by the Commercial Director.

What you will need to succeed:

• Experience in FMCG Product development with a strong track record of developing commercial products
• Knowledge of raw materials and manufacturing processes
• Acute commercial operator with an eye for opportunistic and sustainable growth revenue streams
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Evidence of the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines, with strong organisational and time management skills
• Evidence of reliability and the ability to successfully achieve results while working independently and on own initiative

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

• Qualified to diploma/degree level in a Food Science discipline
• Experience in the pet food industry
• Experience in the meat industry

What we hope you do next:

If an opportunity like this sounds like what you are looking for click apply or reach out directly to Anna via or 02890313720.

For more information on opportunities within the Food Manufacturing/FMCG sector visit our website for a full list of vacancies.