Head of NPD

Eden Scott is delighted to be retained by one of Scotland’s leading food manufacturing businesses to assist in the confidential search for an experienced Head of NPD / NPD Manager from within the food industry.  

Based in Scotland our client is open to a full relocation package and/or flexible working from home with paid accommodation 2-3 nights a week locally.

Job Purpose:

The role is responsible for creating and implementing the New Product Introduction & Development strategy. This will involve building a high performing team that can take a product from the R&D team and work with multiple stakeholders and ensure that new products are manufacturable and meet key performance and commercial criteria.

Responsibilities:

• Working with leading retailers on private label you will need to be skilled at delivering a high-quality product which is both representative of our brands and the customer’s brand.
• Develop an NPD plan for key customers and our brands, which engages all the key stakeholders and delivers a market leading product.
• Managing the process end to end you will be required to lead, bench-marking sessions and post launch review meetings.
• Manage and develop the innovation pipeline in line with market trends and expectations.
• Liaising and working in conjunction with the supply base and technical team to develop fit for purpose raw materials.
• Take product from concept to launch including costings.
• Liaise with Key customers to understand their requirements, points of difference and make appropriate recommendations.

Requirements:

• Demonstrable experience of delivering new products to market
• Experience of material selection and differing manufacturing methods
• Experience of compliance and analysis such as FEA and FMEA
• Experience of working with ERP and CRM systems
• A detailed knowledge of working on private label and brand
• Be creative and hands on.
• Food science degree desirable or highly experienced within a similar role.
• Used to working to the highest standards within retail.
• Used to working in large and busy factory environment.
• Proactive approach
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• High standard of accuracy and attention to detail