HEAD OF NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (NPD) MATERNITY COVER BALA, NORTH WALES MATERINTY COVER 10 TO 12 MONTHS STARTING AUGUST 2025 £65K Key Areas of Accountabilities Managing a dedicated team to ensure the satisfaction of both customers and the company's own requirements. Collaborating extensively with customers and various departments, ensuring that concept to launch process is implemented according to plan. Use root cause analysis techniques to troubleshoot and solve problems effectively. Comprehensive understanding of shelf-life result interpretation, customer code of practice, food legislation, and legal requirements - this is crucial. Manage a trial team to test and refine new product ideas, ensuring they meet quality and safety standards. Analyse recipe formulations and insights to ensure smooth concept to launch process. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and technological advancements, bringing innovative solutions to the table. Provide feedback to key stakeholders regarding better practices and enhanced processing options Key Performance Indicators Projects delivered to key date deadlines. To deliver agreed quality improvement plans on time. To manage and control budgeted spend and report. The person profile Excellent communication, organisation and decision making skills, with the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. This is a role for an active leader, with total involvement in the factory and must have a motivational and inspirational approach. You will have an NPD background within a senior management role. You will be looking to join a company where you can develop, implement and maintain the standards expected by the Company and customers. Must have awareness of retailer standards and their codes of Practice also knowledge of BRCGS V9 standard and retailer standards (Sainsburys, Tesco, Morrisons, ASDA, Lidl, Aldi) and be able to work effectively on your own initiatives. Skills and Experience – Essential Experience within the food industry essential, ideally within bakery and Manufacturing Previous management experience within an NPD role Proven track record of successfully scaling up food products from concept to production Ideally Food Safety Level 4 or equivalent TACCP/VACCP Training Full knowledge of latest BRCGS version Knowledge of retailer systems and codes of practice Accuracy, attention to detail and numerate approach to provide data on time in the right format. Proactive and finds solutions to problems. Confident, articulate and courteous communicator over the phone, face to face and in writing. Actively works with the team to create a positive team environment. Is highly flexible, competent and adaptable and takes responsibility for own areas of responsibility. Undertakes tasks with enthusiasm and takes pride in his/her work at all times. Communicates effectively at all levels, considers other’s opinions and always treats others with respect. Displays a positive and professional attitude. Excellent knowledge of recipe development Skills and Experience – Desirable Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field or qualified by experience Knowledge of JS, Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl codes of practice Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data to make informed decisions. Strong background of NPD team collaboration and confident in a customer facing role. Ability to work autonomously within a management role. Remuneration: Salary £65K Paid sick and compassionate leave Subsidised local gym membership, includes gym, pool and fitness classes Free on-site parking Signing bonus of £200 at weeks 13 and 26 Free tea and coffee 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays