NPD Manager (Food / FMCG)

Overview

VANRATH are delighted to be partnered with a long-term client that are hiring a NPD Manager to join their team in Armagh in the Food / FMCG industry.

Permanent role - Full-time role but flexible hours can be offered.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• On-the-ground, hands-on supervisory role
• Opportunity to work within a high-volume production setting

Role Summary

The NPD Manager delivers the NPD plan by driving product innovation and brand growth. This role focuses on translating consumer needs into commercially successful new products, working cross-functionally to support sustainable business growth and strong internal partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end concept development, including ingredient sourcing, recipe control, process planning, and packaging trials.
• Ensure all NPD/EPD projects are accurately costed, approved, and commercially viable.
• Manage nutritional, shelf-life, and laboratory analysis in line with company and customer requirements.
• Develop and maintain technical records, quality documentation, ingredients, and specifications.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Technical, and Production teams during ideation, evaluation, and launch phases.
• Identify innovation opportunities to drive sales growth and deliver profitable product ranges.
• Develop and communicate market and consumer launch plans to internal and external stakeholders.

Education & Skills

• Degree in food science or related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in an NPD role.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Proven track record of delivering successful new products to market.
• Strong analytical, process-mapping, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

For further information on this opportunity, or any other position in Belfast or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link or contact Jack Groves in the strictest confidence.