NPD Manager (Contract)

Kepak is a leading food company with 15 manufacturing sites and over 4,500 employees across Ireland and the UK, with a turnover of €1.75 billion. The Group operates across three divisions: the Foods Division, Meat Division UK, and Meat Division Ireland. Guided by our values, Responsibility, Ambition, Passion for Food, and Teamwork.

We are committed to operating as a successful, sustainable, future-ready business that is a great place to work. We supply fresh and value-added meat based products to retail and foodservice through private label and our own brands, including Rustlers, Big Al's and John Stone.

We have an exciting opportunity for a NPD Manager to join our team in our site in York. This is a 3-6 month fixed term contract. This role is fully on site and has flexibility to work 4/5 days

This role will lead the successful delivery of approved innovation, renovation and cost optimisation projects through the Develop, Validate, Launch and Grow stages of the Kepak Stage Gate process for the site.

It will be accountable for translating approved innovation opportunities into commercially viable, scalable and launch-ready products that meet customer, operational and financial requirements. Working cross-functionally with Innovation, Commercial, Operations, Technical, Procurement and Supply Chain teams, the role ensures projects are delivered safely, efficiently and at pace while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure project plans, critical paths, risks and resources are managed effectively to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Lead factory trials, product validation activities and launch readiness reviews to ensure robust execution.
• Ensure all projects meet technical, regulatory, food safety and customer requirements.
• Drive right-first-time execution and speed to market through effective planning and cross-functional collaboration.
• Challenge existing processes and identify opportunities to improve project delivery, efficiency and organisational capability.
• Support the translation of innovation concepts into products that deliver against customer expectations and operational capability.
• Lead and develop the site-based R&D team, building capability, driving continuous improvement and ensuring resources are aligned to deliver strategic business priorities.

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Food Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Additional qualifications in project management, quality management, or business management are advantageous.
• 5-10+ years' experience in food NPD, product innovation, or product development roles. Experience in Meat Processing is desirable
• Proven track record of successfully launching products from concept to market.
• Experience working with food manufacturers, FMCG companies, retailers, or food service businesses.
• Strong communication skills and experience presenting concepts and products to senior leadership and customers.

What can we offer you?

• Further Education support
• Dedicated L&D Team
• Bike to Work Scheme - You can buy a bike and safety equipment through a salary sacrifice scheme which reduces your taxable income – meaning you pay less tax!
• Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees
• BUPA Cash plan free of charge