NPD Manager

Role: New Product Development (NPD) Manager

About Our Client:

Azon are thrilled to be partnered with a leading food manufacturing company located in Tipperary for the recruitment of a full time, permanent, NPD Manager. This is an exciting leadership opportunity within an innovative, fast-paced environment to oversee the high-performing NPD Development team. The focus is on delivering exceptional products aligned with customer needs in a forward-thinking business.

Role Summary:

This role leads the NPD department, collaborating with the management team to drive innovation, expand the product portfolio, and cater to diverse markets. Reporting to the Head of Technical and Quality, the responsibilities encompass fostering innovation, ensuring product alignment with customer briefs, managing customer interactions, and overseeing new and existing product development, including packaging. This role includes travelling based on customer or company requests, arranged in advance.

Responsibilities Include:

• Drive innovation and stay updated on food trends.
• Ensure alignment of NDP with customer briefs.
• Manage customer relationships regarding product quality in new projects.
• Develop new and existing products, including packaging.
• Lead the NPD team, fostering technological understanding and equipment evaluation.
• Advocate for change in existing and new products.
• Ensure project feasibility within the manufacturing facility.
• Take ownership of the NPD process, managing multiple projects’ critical paths.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Operations, and Purchasing for project success.
• Encourage a collaborative, customer-focused approach across teams.
• Effectively communicate development briefs and maintain customer trust throughout the process.
• Align NPD programs with customer needs and lead innovation and improvement projects.

Key Competencies Required:

• Problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership abilities.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Out-of-the-box thinking.
• Handling challenging situations adeptly.
• Proven interpersonal skills.
• Team building and leadership capabilities.
• Thriving under pressure.
• Customer-centric mindset with commercial acumen.

Skills & Experience

• Preferably holds a food science degree or related qualification.
• Minimum 5 years’ R&D, Product Development experience.
• Prior experience in leading NPD projects.
• Proficient in project and time management.
• Skilled in customer relationship management and presentations.
• Demonstrated drive to seek new ideas and launch products.
• Creative thinking and a hunger for knowledge.
• Willingness to challenge norms.
• Passion for the food industry.
• Diligent with deadlines and committed to accuracy, integrity, and quality.
• Organizational adaptability to manage diverse responsibilities.
• Proficiency in computer applications like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent presentation capabilities.