Bakery NPD Manager
£50,000 - £55,000
Hybrid/Remote/On-site; travel: Approx. 6-8 days per month at Colchester Site
Days Only (Mon-Fri)
gap technical are proud to be representing this global manufacturing business in their search for a Bakery NPD Manager to work at their facility based near Colchester
Performance Objectives
Demonstrate core and new bread and cake confectionery products in designated accounts (industrial bakers, large craft bakery chains), and support new recipe development
Identify opportunities for volume driven, profitable new product development projects within designated accounts or new prospects and work with customers to write comprehensive briefs to submit to R&D technologists in manufacturing OpCo's
Provide technical advice for designated accounts, acting as a trouble shooter and dealing with questions and problems in use of Group UK products
Understand process and product development challenges, along with timelines and listing windows for designated accounts and prepare briefs for any redevelopment of existing products to meet cost targets or enhance functionality
Attend and support approved factory trials and first production runs at designated accounts
Collaborate with UK sales account managers, customer services, marketing and quality team and with R&D teams in manufacturing OpCo's, to ensure exceptional and timely technical service to all designated accounts
Manage assigned customer relationships and report activities to the MRD and Sales Director and the designated sales account manager
Prepare visit reports, weekly planners and project briefs in a timely, detailed and professional manner
Monitor new technical and functionality trends in the UK bread and cake confectionery market and working with the MRD director prepare insight presentations with baked product samples to demonstrate to designated and prospect customers
Support at customer and industry events as required by MRD Director
Support at onsite Strategic and Key Account customer visits at Colchester or Wigan as required
Regular travel to customer sites will be required as well as time at UK Group sites at Colchester (6-8 days per calendar month)
Attend and contribute to required meetingsMust attend:
Team huddles (daily), 1:1 with line manager, functional reviews
Commercial Meetings
Internal and External Stakeholder meetings
H&S Meetings
Training/refresher sessions
May attend (role-dependent): project boards, governance/quality forums, client/regulator meetings.Health & Safety (role-holder duties)
Work safely and follow training, method statements, SSOW and risk assessments at all times.
Report hazards, near-misses and incidents immediately; support investigations (incl. RIDDOR where applicable).
Use, maintain and store PPE correctly; keep work area safe and tidy.
Complete all mandatory H&S training and refreshers on time.
Participate in toolbox talks, safety briefings and H&S Committee activity as required.Food Safety Requirements
To carry out all employee obligations with the Food Safety Act 1990 and all other subsequent legislation relating to Food Safety, including full compliance with Group food safety policies and internal procedures.
Where necessary, liaise with the Technical Manager/Quality Manager regarding food safety, quality or legality issues and report any issues to the site Technical / Quality Manager.
Ensure a high level of hygiene standard is consistently achieved and good practices are maintained throughout your area of the business with continuous improvements made, where applicable.
Support activities to maintain BRC Certification for the site.
Identify training requirements and implement/organise/ undertake training.
Report Food Safety incidences immediately.Person Specification
BTEC or BSC (Hons) in Bakery, Bakery Technology or Food Science is preferred; will accept 15 years of experience in lieu of a recognised qualification
10 years of baking experience working with industrial manufacturers in the UK or European plant bread market is preferable
Good knowledge of bread ingredient functionality
Good problem-solving skills
Good project management skills
Proficient in the use of Microsoft IT systemsApply
Please send your CV via the Apply now option on the website
If you have any questions or are interested in any other opportunities we may have, please do not hesitate to get in touch
This vacancy is being advertised on behalf of gap technical who are operating as an employment agency.
gap technical are committed to the selection, recruitment and development of the best people, basing judgements solely on suitability for the job.
Closing Date: 12/04/2026
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