Vickerstock are excited to be recruiting for a major food manufacturing on the appointment of an NPD Product Manager to lead the development of innovative, market-ready products while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.
The role spans sites in Dungannon and Glasgow and requires regular travel, with flexibility to be based in Northern Ireland or Scotland.
Role overview:
The NPD Product Manager leads the end-to-end development of new products, from concept through to launch, ensuring high standards of safety, quality, and commercial viability. The role is hands-on in early development, managing key milestones, factory trials, and customer submissions, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to deliver projects on time.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Manage the full NPD lifecycle from concept through to launch
2. Translate customer briefs into clear project plans that drive growth
3. Lead project meetings, factory trials, and key development milestones
4. Prepare and deliver customer and stakeholder presentations
5. Maintain accurate project data, costings, and documentation throughout NPD
6. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to meet timelines and resolve issues
7. Build and manage strong customer and supplier relationships
8. Oversee product launches, cost control, and stock management
9. Monitor market trends and competitor activity to inform innovation
10. Ensure regulatory, food safety, and quality compliance
11. Identify and mitigate risks while driving continuous improvement initiative
Your Profile:
12. Proven experience leading NPD projects from concept to launch (minimum 3 years)
13. Managed key customer accounts, including presentations and feedback
14. Background in food manufacturing or related sector, with retailer/own-label product development experience
15. Skilled in cross-functional collaboration (technical, operations, supply chain)
16. Responsible for project costings, margin management, and risk resolution
17. Knowledge of the meat and added-value industry across multiple retailers
18. Strong organisational, communication, and team-working skills
19. Self-motivated, inquisitive, and focused on continuous improvement
20. Experience preparing and delivering presentations or reports to stakeholders
21. Degree in relevant science or equivalent work-based experience
22. Familiarity with NPD/workflow management systems and compliance with food safety and quality standards
23. Experience managing NPD projects for major UK retailers is a plus
24. Experience mentoring or supervising junior team members or apprentices would be advantageous
25. Contribution to process or continuous improvement initiatives is valued
26. Participation in industry award submissions or recognition for NPD work is a bonus
What You Can Expect
27. Enjoy a competitive package with opportunities for long-term career growth
28. Join a well-established, market-leading food manufacturer with a strong UK reputation
29. Take ownership of exciting product development projects and drive innovation from concept to launch
30. Work in a supportive environment that values teamwork, development, and continuous improvement
31. Be part of a business that champions innovation, quality, sustainability, and customer-focused growth
Your next move
To learn more or to apply in confidence, contact Anna at Vickerstock on 028 9031 3720 or submit your CV via the link.