About Us
ABP UK is a major division of the ABP Food Group with factories in Ireland, UK and Europe. We are a food business that specialises in the supply and development of award-winning British and Irish beef and lamb products for retail, foodservice and wholesale.
As one of the UK`s largest food producers, ABP relies on the skills and experience of its people, that`s why we offer lifelong careers with secure and full-time hours as well as competitive rates of pay, backed by great training and the opportunity to grow and progress within the business.
With the growth and expansion of our ABP Penston site in Glasgow, we have the opportunities below available to build our teams inline with increase in volume.
Location: Penston - Travel regularly to shape best practice across the network and secure business with customers.
Hours Of Work: 40 Hours per week
Role Definition:
The NPD Manager is responsible for leading Tesco product development, taking concepts from initial idea through to factory trial and launch. The role drives the creation of innovative, commercially relevant products that meet required standards for food safety, quality, cost, and customer expectations. It is particularly hands-on during the early stages of development, ensuring strong control of key milestones including customer presentations, recipe submissions, project accuracy, trial readiness, and critical path delivery. This role provides strategic direction, and support to ensure the NPD team delivers best-in-class innovation, operational excellence, and commercial results. Strong communication & relationship building with internal and external customers is crucial to the role .
Fundamentals of the Job:
1. NPD ownership
Ensure all NPD projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to agreed quality standards from concept to launch using the RP system & collaboration with the wider teams
Manage customer workload and priorities, ensuring team members are equipped to deliver product & packaging strategy
2. Analyse customer briefs:
Set clear direction and targets to drive sales growth and maintain existing business, working in collaboration with wider commercial and category teams.
3. Facilitate project meetings:
Organize& lead kick-off and weekly site meetings to align teams and drive progress.
4. Prepare and deliver presentations:
Present to internal and external stakeholders, including samples, recipes, and supporting materials.
5. Feasibility meetings:
Support the NPD process manager in leading all feasibility meetings. Ensuring issues raised are closed out & updated notes issued in preparation for factory trials
6. Ensure data accuracy:
Maintain precise and up-to-date information in RP throughout NPD process, supporting accurate costings and workflow management
7. Guide/ support the team:
Direct & deliver sample submissions, tracking, timely delivery, monthly reporting, and cost control.
8. Build and manage relationships:
Develop strong supplier relationships to support timelines and secure new business.
9. Monitor product launches:
Oversee workflow and deadlines to ensure successful market introduction.
10. Manage costs and stock: Oversee cost management and stock control within the team.
11. Customer communication:
Maintain regular contact with customers, addressing queries promptly.
12. Market and trend analysis: Monitor market trends and competitor activity to inform product development strategies.
13. Risk management:
Identify and mitigate risks throughout the NPD process.
14. Post-launch review: Conduct reviews to assess product performance and capture learnings for future projects.
15. Continuous improvement: Drive initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the NPD process.
16. Documentation and reporting: Maintain comprehensive project documentation
17. Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with other departments (marketing, operations, finance, quality assurance) to ensure successful product launches.
Required Skills & Experience
Essential
Ensure a planned, proactive approach to work demonstrating exceptional organisational skills, effective communication, attention to detail and teambuilding.
Minimum 3 years' experience leading NPD projects
At least 3 years' experience in food manufacturing or a closely related sector, with direct involvement in retailer or own-label product development.
Demonstrated experience as the primary contact for at least 2 major customer accounts, including leading customer presentations and managing feedback through to project completion.
Documented contribution to at least one process improvement or continuous improvement initiative within NPD.
Ability to engage and communicate clearly with confidence at various levels within the organization.
Ability to work effectively and in a highly productive manner as an individual or as part of a team.
Good, knowledge of chilled food industry across multiple retailers
A self-motivated individual that is naturally inquisitive with a constant drive to 'seek out' continuous improvement.
Direct responsibility managing department costs and workstreams to reduce these.
Evidence of identifying and resolving significant project risks or issues
A degree in relevant science, specialist qualifications and equivalent work-based experience, with proven track record in a similar role
Experience using NPD or workflow management systems to maintain accurate project records for at least 2 years.
Desirable
Experience in managing NPD projects for M&S, Ocado. Waitrose Aldi, Tesco & Morrisons with evidence of successful product launch.
Participation in at least one industry award submission or receipt of recognition for NPD work.
Good knowledge of the meat industry & proven butchery knowledge
Performance Management and the 6 Agreements of Collaboration.
Ensure that a culture of Performance Management is in place and that company HR guidelines and protocols are adhered to with regard to selection, recruitment, induction, training and development of our human capital.
Ensure that the team under your remit effectively execute the Performance Review Process in line with company procedures outlined by the HR Manager.
Ensure delivery of your personal KPI's, satisfy yourself that direct reports fulfil on their KPIs and that all supervisors & line leaders within your area of accountability do likewise.
Assume responsibility for ongoing identification and correction of underperformance among the people and departments who are accountable to you.
Role model the effective use of the 6 Agreements of Collaboration, supporting and coaching others to do likewise.
Work closely with the HR department in identifying and developing aspiring managers/supervisors/line leaders to support ongoing growth and development of our business.
Assume responsibility for developing a culture where staff are empowered and supported to grow and develop personally and professionally within their jobs.
Review training requirements across the departments you are responsible for in partnership with the HR Manager.
Demonstrate and promote a culture of team-work.
Health and Safety
It is incumbent upon each and every employee (including temporary employees and agency workers) to maintain and where possible improve the level of Health and Safety controls within the Company. Employees are encouraged to use the Hazard Detection Sheets; and any suggestions of ways to minimise hazards should be raised either through your direct manager, or the Company Health and Safety Manager.
Customer Service Culture
Uphold our customer service culture where the customer always comes first. This includes customer service culture for our internal customers and external customers.
Ensure that all customer queries received are handled competently and effectively. This includes interdepartmental customers and also applies when external customers are 'onsite.
As the company expands and due to ongoing changes in market conditions and the business environment, it is a requirement of the position to undertake any other reasonable task related to the position you hold.
What's in it for You?
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Employee Assistance Programme for both colleague and family
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Cycle to Work Scheme
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Internal Training and Development Programmes
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Employee discounts offered by customers
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Employee Recognition Programme.
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Refer a Friend Scheme
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Benefits Portal inclusive of technology disocunts, vehicle leasing etc.
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Free Parking with EV Charging available with a salary sacrifice
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Onsite subsidised canteen and vending machines
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Life Assurance
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Free Fruit.
