Npd Manager

Futures are excited to be working with a market leading fmcg food business. They have a full portfolio of high-quality and great tasting products with a £550m turnover and supply globally to over 40 countries
As the company continues to grow, we are recruiting for a NPD Manager.
Job Purpose:
Develop new & reformulated high-quality products starting from concept through first production including perfecting flavour, colour, appearance, shelf life, ingredients, nutrition facts, performance, processing, safety, packaging, coding, and the accuracyand regulatory compliance of all labels and packaging.
This position is required in order to provide new & innovative consumer products in-line with the corporate mission and emerging market trends, promoting growth of sale & revenue for both branded and own label customers.
Main Duties:

- To develop & approve new and reformulations for products based upon quality & customer requirements. Includes reviewing product performance, product sensory evaluation, researching product standards and attributes, determining product safety, and directingconsumer testing and analysis by third parties if needed.
- At this level, the Product Development Manager is expected to work autonomously and also guide lower grades in the completion of their projects. Interaction with staff builds the employee development skills needed for the next level - Senior Manager.
- Develop, review & approve packaging & labels for new & reformulated products.
- Act as the primary technical & regulatory resource for internal & external customers.
- Create & manage both internal and retailer product specifications. Includes requesting product specifications and other technical documentation from suppliers, creating internal specifications, and reviewing & approving any updates to current product specifications
- Manage internal & external suppliers, contractors & other outside resources.
- Develop NPD and EPD pipeline which will further add value to our existing ranges and reduce cost base. 3-5 year pipeline to include new ranges, range extensions and development aligned with market trends.
- Preparation of product costings and creation of BOMs (Bill of Materials) for all new and/or existing products in our portfolio.
Qualifications and Experience
- At least 5 years experience in a similar role focused on developing food products
- Project Management experience
- Experience working in cross-functional teams
- Excellent time management skills, sense of urgency and desire to complete all assignments on a timely basis
- Proven knowledge and understanding of new product development process
- Knowledge of ingredient functionality, product formulations, and basic food preparation
- Working knowledge of sensory evaluation procedures; utilizing a well-developed sense of taste, smell, and texture (mouthfeel)
- Understanding of food labeling regulations