Working as a key leader within the NPD team of this busy factory the NPD Manager needs to work closely with the commercial colleagues of AFF managing all projects through the development process to a successful launch

Managing the critical path, customer expectations and ensuring that products are successfully launched, safe and inline with the company’s HACCP plan whilst meeting each individual customer’s codes of practice

The role requires the team member to liaise with all stakeholders and subject matter experts to ensure the timeline is achievable including the process team, specifications team, purchasing and operational team members.

Tasks will include but not be limited to the following:

Working closely with the commercial team on all projects

Supporting in identifying new development opportunities in your customers portfolio with the commercial team

Close communication with the customer leading all project calls and visits

Represent the development team at both internal and external meetings

Be a key contact with the customer development and technical representatives ensuring all communication is completed to high standards, whilst answering queries/questions in a timely manner

Ensure all process development issues are considered in all new product development projects from concept to launch, ensuring that products can be successfully manufactured consistently after launch

Managing the critical path from ideation stage to concept approval and launch

Ensure all product development projects meet internal business plans.  Approval at each gate is sought.

Ensure all external customers brand standards, competencies and expectations

Liaising with the production, planning and process team to ensure trials are successful, completed in conjunction to the critical path and are fully documented

Managing and coordinating sample submissions, nutritional and micro testing

Writing and reviewing QAS and factory line standards

Supporting with sourcing new ingredients

Producing high quality customer samples

Supporting with product specification writing

Completing and documentation of over life standards

Completion of factory worksheets and system updates

Supporting the costing process and alerting the business to any risks in the ingredient of choice

Comply with the sites HACCP procedures; developing products which are aligned to the allergen management plan

Completing the post launch reviews

Understand the market and consider any trends which could be incorporated into the development process

Supporting direct reports workload and development

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

·       BSc in Food Science or equivalent related discipline

·       Minimum of 3 years experience within the Food Manufacturing Industry

·       Knowledge of a range of Retailers and their Codes of Practice

·       Computer literate with working knowledge of computer applications / Microsoft Office

·       Customer management experience

Desirable

·       Management of people

·       Audit Experience

A comprehensive salary and benefits package is available for this role.

If you feel that this position suits your experience, we would love to hear from you,  please send a copy of your CV to HR@abergavenny.uk.com and a member of the team will be in touch.