Npd Manager

Key role leading the Product Development team for this industry leading dairy business managing NPD from concept to launch

The company
Our client is an Australian owned and operated business with locations and manufacturing facilities throughout Australia. They are also a world class supplier of dairy-based products, services and solutions to the retail, foodservice and food ingredients markets.
Due to strong growth they are investing in their innovation team and are looking for an experienced NPD Manager to lead a highly capable product development team.

The role
As NPD Manager, the successful candidate will be organised and results-driven with great problem-solving skills, they also have advanced communication and computer skills to ensure the smooth and cost-efficient flow of production operations.
Working as part of a cross functional team, you will help to deliver innovation on time and on budget, identifying savings where they can be made. This is a very fast paced role, and your actions are time critical.
You will be responsible for:

• Managing the development of new products and line extensions from concept through to launch
• Product, process, packaging and cost optimisation
• Providing technical assistance to the production plants in trouble-shooting technical challenges
• Cross functional stakeholder management with Marketing, Category and Operations
• Managing and mentoring a small team of Product Development professionals
• Developing new product concepts for feasibility assessment
• Broadening technical knowledge to build an understanding of Product, Process, Packaging, Quality Systems, Regulatory Affairs and Nutrition in category manufacturing.
• Creating and manage product and raw material specifications and documenting processes
• Partnering with flavour houses to develop flavour systems suitable to run on the seasoning equipment

About You
Relevant qualifications

• Minimum of 5 - 7 years’ experience in a product development, quality or continuous improvement roles - Ideally in FMCG
• Team leadership experience
• Strong communication skills
• An ability to manage often conflicting priorities and succeed in an agile environment