Job description
VANRATH are delighted to be partnering 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.
My experience with Vanrath has been outstanding. From the outset, my recruitment consultant, Dan Morgan, demonstrated a genuine commitment to finding the right opportunity for me. He invested time in getting to know my background, motivations, and long-term career ambitions, ensuring that every role discussed was a strong fit. The entire process was efficient, transparent, and supportive, which made what can often be a stressful experience feel straightforward and reassuring. I'm absolutely delighted with the outcome and would have complete confidence in using Vanrath again in the future.
The service provided by Robbie and Dan at Vanrath was exceptional. Engaged at extremely short notice, they moved quickly and delivered impressive results - supplying high-quality CVs on the same day, coordinating interviews the very next day, and facilitating an immediate start for a new member of our finance team. They took the time to understand our business, culture, and specific requirements, which was clearly reflected in the calibre of candidates presented. Their professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine interest in our success led Pivotal to agree to an exclusive recruitment partnership with Vanrath going forward.
Working with Ross Stevenson at Vanrath was a thoroughly positive experience from beginning to end. Ross communicated clearly and consistently throughout the process, setting realistic expectations and providing detailed insights into each opportunity. He offered valuable guidance and support at every stage, ensuring I felt informed and confident in my decisions. The role Ross secured not only met but exceeded my expectations, and I'm genuinely excited to be starting a position that aligns perfectly with my skills, experience, and future aspirations.
