NPD Manager

Be part of something big We look at what is wrong with food to figure out how to make it the best it can be, without being bound by the way it has always been done. This kind of innovative thinking has led Finnebrogue to multiple awards, nationwide acclaim and has established us as a leading food producer. In 2024, we were recognised as the UK’s Employer of the Year by Grocer Gold and the Best Place to Work in Northern Ireland by the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards. Our robust People Strategy offers career pathways and development opportunities for all employees, emphasising talent growth and wellbeing with generous benefits for all. We are proud to be the first food producer in the UK and Ireland to achieve the Diversity Mark accreditation and are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. With four sites in Downpatrick, County Down, our business continues to grow rapidly, with turnover growing from £50M to £200M in the past 6 years. Join us at Finnebrogue, where innovation meets excellence, and every team member is valued and empowered to grow. Duties and Responsibilities Interpret brief and present to internal stakeholder team on concepts Work with commercial team prior to trialing on costings Plan factory trials in with planning team and bench trials into pilot plant in a timely manner Plan market research and necessary paneling into concepts as and when required in order to back up development with relevant customer insight Manage preparation for customer presentations, including chef resource, materials and documentation Manage outputs from customer meetings and feedback to site teams Ensure products fit for purpose Identify opportunities for growth with each customer by understanding each sales platform Keep abreast of global, national, regional and local food trends to ensure that we deliver products to retail and foodservice ahead of the market Keep abreast of legislative requirements and ensure that all products are developed with future proofing in mind in terms of attributes Collate critical success criteria post launch and present to internal stakeholders on a monthly basis Manage fortnightly meetings with the commercial and production teams on key account NPD activity Develop NPD calendar of activity with each key account from a short, medium and long term perspective Manage workload and develop capabilities of more junior technologist Knowledge, skills and expertise required Essential Degree or 3rd Level qualification in a food / nutrition related subject. Experience working as a NPD Manager within the Food Industry. (5 Years) Proven track record of building relationships with major retail multiples Evidence of working with ingredient and packaging suppliers to identify and complete improvements Good interpersonal and communication skills Commercially focused Evidence of effective analytical, problem solving and decision making skills Evidence of strong organisational, planning and time management abilities Proven ability to provide solutions and deliver results while working independently and on own initiative Aware of profitability Proficient in the use of word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software, e-mail and the internet Able to work flexibly to ensure business needs are met Able to travel when required Valid driving license and vehicle available for business use Desirable Experience within the meat processing industry Experience within the vegan or vegetarian processing industry. Benefits Working within one of our state of the art premises you will enjoy a range of benefits including the ability to relax during your break in a restaurant standard canteen with all meals subsidised. We even offer free breakfast and lunch options. You will enjoy free onsite car parking and electric charging points. You will be entitled to free products weekly (Up to 5 free products per person) through our award winning “Shack Initiative.” We have a packed calendar of wellbeing, social and sport events. After you have settled into the Finnebrogue family your perks will only increase including a Healthcare plan, cycle to work scheme, new electric car scheme and we won’t forget the days that are important to you, you will receive your birthday as a holiday day! Our list of benefits continue to grow and you don’t have to just take our word for it. We have been awarded Irish News and Grocer Gold Employer of the Year as testimony to the exciting culture and benefits we offer.

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