NPD Project Manager

Naas, Co Kildare
Permanent
Full-time

2 months ago
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Title: NPD Project ManagerDepartment: Science & InnovationReports to: Technology Manager/Head of Science & InnovationHours of Work: Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm plus flexibility around overtime and trialsLocation: Naas, Co. KildareContract Type: Permanent, Full-time, 39 hours per weekPurpose of Role:LeaderThis person needs to be a key driver of our stage gate (Nectar) innovation process and is expected to deliver each Innovation project within the agreed timelines set out by the business. Building over time a track record of success is a key deliverable.FoodieTo have a passion for good food, an in-depth knowledge within the areas of nutrition, food safety, culinary styles and the techniques related to cooking meat are all considered important to our team.Be the innovatorThe business will expect this role to take an active part in the ideation stage of any strategic planning within all areas of the innovation process, leading both culinary and process based ideation session for your key Customers and target product categories.Be a lean championEnsuring that at each stage the key stakeholders are engaged in the process and agree with the tempo and the key deliverables. Running effective meetings, maintaining clear records of events, managing change within the process are key skills for this role.Team playerThe ability to work effectively with others is essential within this role, taking actions which respect the needs and contributions of others.Key Duties and Responsibilities:Be the leader for your assigned projects from the start of the brief to the final review within our stage gate process (Nectar).Need – project concept.Explore – opportunity assessment / feasibility (business case, market insights, culinary reviews, business case, risk assessments)Create – pilot trialsTest – scale up within factoryAct – production reviews / improvement stageReview – of the product and processCompletion of the required steps on Navision to ensure all departments are clear at each step of the process, attending where possible all stages of trials (Scale up’s are mandatory) and briefing your appointed technologist clearly on what is required at pilot stage.Attend all required daily and weekly meetings, ensuring that you maintain all required Nectar reports as agreed with your S&I Manager.

Presentations to Customers and visit to their facilities are a key part of this role, leading the technical discussions, offering consumer insights and related concepts are key drivers.
Update your own project innovation pipeline on a weekly basis, communication of any significant changes or delays to the required team members, doing what is required to get the project back on time.

Present to your team on a regular basis a review of your Nectar projects, offering positive continuous improvement suggestions that deliver to the business core strategic plans.Leverage culinary and technical access with key influencers within your targeted Customers and suppliers. Promoting the benefits of using the company as there must have supplier and problem solver.Developing a network of technical experts that can be called upon to assist within the nectar innovation process.Responsible for gate review meetings at each stage of the nectar processTo demonstrate a high level of competence in food / meat science, food processing, food legislation, specifications and recipe management.Completion and recording of all sensory or benchmark analysis, product evaluations and concept reviews in line with the expectation set within nectar.To maintain a high standard of cleanliness when using any of the facilities within our facility from desks, kitchens, pilot plant to factory equipment.Any other reasonable tasks as outlined by your direct Manager or head of department.Key Deliverables:Process performance measures

Conversion rate of your Innovation projects to the market / pipeline
Cycle times (by stage gate / to market)
On time / within budget
Feedback from team / Customers
Experience required for role
Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in the Food Industry with Third level qualification in the Food Science or similar field

Competencies required for roleAbility to motivate, self-manage and use one’s own initiativeExcellent project management skills and project leadership abilityTeam player who works well with othersExcellent communication skills with the ability to facilitate meeting’s, provide daily and weekly updates and adhere to all boards and recording systemsInnovative and problem-solving mindset with commitment to continuous improvement and delivering customer resultsExcellent technical ability focusing on problem solving solutionsGood attention to detail and accuracyAbility to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environmentA ‘can do’ attitudeFlexible attitude with an aim to meet all business demandsQualifications required

BSc Food Science & Technology or equivalent experience
Proven track record in a similar role in a high-risk food environment
Specific I.T skills and level (Basic / Intermediate / Advanced)
Excellent Word & Excel Skills – Intermediate level
Navision experience is preferable but not a requirement
Outlook experience - Intermediate level

At Quorum Search Partners we respect your privacy. Your CV is sent to us in complete confidence and will never be forwarded to a third party without your consent.Please apply by sending your CV to Joanne Bourke at or call 018788240 for more information.

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