We have an exciting role based across our Dungannon Retail and Penston sites for an NPD Product Manager who will be responsible for driving the creation and development of innovative products, ensuring projects meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and market relevance.
The successful candidate may be based in either Northern Ireland or Scotland with the ability to meet the requirement of the role for structured travel between our Dungannon and Penston sites.
The NPD Product Manager is responsible for driving the creation and development of innovative products, ensuring projects meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and market relevance. This role is highly hands-on during the early stages, from concept to factory trials, applying rigorous control to critical milestones such customer presentations, submission accuracy and project management.
After recipe approval, the role remains accountable for the project to launch, working closely with NPD & cross-functional teams to meet deadlines and resolve challenges. Strong communication with customers and stakeholders is essential to maintain progress and minimize delays.
Fundamentals of the Job:
Manage all stages of NPD:
Oversee projects from concept through to launch, ensuring alignment with business objectives and customer needs.
Analyse customer briefs:
Set clear direction and targets to drive sales growth and maintain existing business.
Facilitate project meetings:
Organize& lead kick-off and weekly site meetings to align teams and drive progress.
Prepare and deliver presentations:
Present to internal and external stakeholders, including samples, recipes, and supporting materials.
Ensure data accuracy:
Maintain precise and up-to-date information in RP throughout NPD process, supporting accurate costings and workflow management
Guide/ support the team:
Direct sample submissions, tracking, timely delivery, monthly reporting, and cost control.
Build and manage relationships:
Develop strong supplier & customer relationships to support timelines and secure new business.
Monitor product launches:
Oversee workflow and deadlines to ensure successful market introduction.
Manage costs and stock:
Oversee cost management and stock control within the team.
Benchmarking and awards:
Ensure products meet quality benchmarks and manage award sample submissions.
Customer communication:
Maintain regular contact with customers, addressing queries promptly.
Market and trend analysis:
Monitor market trends and competitor activity to inform product development strategies.
Regulatory compliance:
Ensure all new products comply with relevant food safety, legal, and quality standards.
Risk management:
Identify and mitigate risks throughout the NPD process.
Cross-functional collaboration:
Work closely with other departments (marketing, operations, finance, quality assurance) to ensure successful product launches.
Continuous improvement:
Drive initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the NPD process.
Documentation and reporting:
Maintain comprehensive project documentation.
Requirements
Essential
Ensure a planned, proactive approach to work demonstrating exceptional organisational skills, effective communication, attention to detail and teambuilding.
Minimum 3 years' experience leading NPD projects from concept to launch.
Demonstrated experience as the primary contact for at least 2 major customer accounts, including leading customer presentations and managing feedback through to project completion.
At least 3 years' experience in food manufacturing or a closely related sector, with direct involvement in retailer or own-label product development.
Proven track record of coordinating with business functions (e.g., technical, operations, supply chain) on multiple projects
Direct responsibility for project costings and margin management with evidence of achieving or exceeding commercial targets.
Evidence of identifying and resolving significant project risks or issues
Good, knowledge of the meat & added value industry across multiple retailers
A self-motivated individual that is naturally inquisitive with a constant drive to 'seek out' continuous improvement.
Experience preparing and delivering formal presentations or reports to internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to work effectively and in a highly productive manner as an individual or as part of a team.
A degree in relevant science, specialist qualifications and equivalent work-based experience, with proven track record in a similar role
Experience using NPD or workflow management systems to maintain accurate project records for at least 2 years.
Demonstrated compliance with food safety and quality standards in all managed projects.
Desirable
Experience in managing NPD projects for at least one major UK retailer (e.g., M&S, Ocado,), with evidence of successful product launch.
Experience mentoring or supervising at least one junior team member or apprentice for a minimum of 6 months.
Documented contribution to at least one process improvement or continuous improvement initiative within NPD.
Participation in at least one industry award submission or receipt of recognition for NPD work.
Closing Date for applications is 5pm on Friday 30th January 2026.