NPD Manager

Position Overview:

The ideal candidate will be part of an energetic team focused on developing both branded and private label seafood products for the retail sector. This role involves collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including Technical, Production, and Sales, to deliver high-quality, value-added seafood products. As a key member of the team, you will lead and manage innovation projects, ensuring that new products align with business strategies, meet technical and legal standards, and adhere to correct specifications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure all new products consistently meet consumer expectations and adhere to established standards.

• Lead and manage NPD (New Product Development) and EPD (Existing Product Development) projects, from concept to launch, ensuring cross-functional collaboration to drive innovation and project success.

• Guarantee full compliance with relevant policies, legislation, and product specifications, meeting customer and business requirements.

• Oversee the day-to-day management of NPD processes, including line extensions and packaging projects, from initial brief through to product launch.

• Implement and monitor compliance with a stage-gate product development process, using Lean NPD methods to ensure all project requirements are met at each stage.

• Continuously protect and improve product and process quality.

• Provide leadership and training to junior NPD team members, fostering a high-performance culture.

• Gain a deep understanding of business priorities and contribute to the goal of achieving the lowest cost outcomes.

• Work closely with retail clients to present and deliver NPD projects, resolving issues as they arise and seeking guidance from the NPD account manager when necessary.

• Drive continuous improvement within the innovation team.

• Lead and contribute to R&D projects aimed at innovation and market development.

• Continuously research market trends and new technologies to develop fresh product concepts.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in a food development role within the FMCG sector.

• Strong project management and planning skills.

• Excellent communication, influencing, and time management abilities.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a large cross-functional team.

• Exceptional attention to detail.

• Passion for food, especially seafood, and awareness of current industry trends.

Key Skills:

• Expertise in quality systems such as BRC, HACCP, allergen control, etc.

• Proficient in specification and customer systems such as TTL, HG, Igloo, or similar.

• Strong knowledge of food legislation, legal labeling requirements, and compliance.

• Experience in supplier and product selection.

• Strong background in product quality optimization and the application of lean techniques.

• Experience in product and packaging cost modeling and supplier negotiations.

• Organized, analytical, and proactive with excellent communication and negotiation skills.

• Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.

• Hands-on approach with a positive, "can-do" attitude.

• Solid understanding of packaging processes and packaging management tools.

• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel as required.