Zertus UK & Ireland
NPD Manager
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NPD Manager - Fixed Term Contract
Humdinger, Heckington NG34 9JH
Are you passionate about developing innovative food products and bringing them to life with one of the UK's most respected retailers? We're looking for an experienced NPD Manager to join our fantastic team at Humdinger on a six-month fixed-term contract. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of exciting Marks & Spencer development projects, managing products from concept through to factory launch.
Working closely with a dedicated Process Technologist, you'll lead the development of upcoming Christmas 2027 launches and support future projects planned for 2028. You'll have exposure to category insight, retailer requirements and cross-functional project leadership, while collaborating with technical, production, packaging and commercial teams to deliver outstanding products that meet M&S's exceptionally high standards.
This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate food manufacturing professional who enjoys taking ownership, thrives on attention to detail and wants to see products through the entire development journey.
Position type
Temporary Full-Time, 6 month fixed term contract
Hours
37.5
Shift Pattern
Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 16:30
Pay range
£48,000 to £52,000
Closing date
Friday 16th October 2026
Responsibilities
- Leading NPD projects for Marks & Spencer from concept through to launch.
- Managing Christmas 2027 development projects and future innovation projects.
- Managing food product development projects from initial concept through to factory launch.
- Translating customer, marketing and commercial requirements into clear, achievable development briefs.
- Planning and coordinating development, kitchen and factory trials within agreed timescales and budgets.
- Developing commercially viable products and processes that provide a sustainable competitive advantage.
- Working with production, technical, food safety, legislation and purchasing teams to assess product feasibility.
- Preparing product formulations, process parameters, specifications, work instructions and supporting documentation.
- Coordinating sensory testing, shelf-life trials, transit testing and follow-up product assessments.
- Managing product and packaging critical paths, including artwork and pack copy requirements.
- Monitoring project risks and providing clear progress updates to senior stakeholders.
- Supporting the transfer of approved products into production and helping relevant teams prepare for launch.
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Qualifications
- Experience managing retailer-facing NPD projects within food manufacturing.
- Experience taking products from concept through trials, approval and successful factory launch.
- Experience working with Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's or Waitrose would be advantageous.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, GMP and manufacturing processes.
- Experience coordinating factory trials and managing critical paths.
- The ability to work collaboratively across production, technical, commercial, packaging and purchasing teams.
- Strong communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills.
- Flexibility to support factory trials when required.
- A passion for food innovation and delivering products that delight customers.
Experience within confectionery, chocolate, snacking, bakery, ingredients would be beneficial but is not essential.
Rewards & Benefits
- Competitive, thoroughly benchmarked salary and wider package
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- 4% employer and 5% employee pension contributions and Life Assurance at 4x basic salary
- Health Care Cash Plan via Paycare (includes dental, optical, therapy, counselling)
- Access to Paycare Perks for high street and retailer discounts
- Holiday Purchase Scheme – buy up to one extra week per year
- Cycle to Work Scheme and Electric Car Scheme (salary sacrifice, subject to criteria)
- Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave
- Annual calendar of engagement and wellbeing activities
- Opportunity to support your local community with one paid volunteering/fundraising day per year
- Access to staff shop discounts
- Monthly employee recognition awards
- Refer a Friend recruitment rewards
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
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About Us
At Humdinger, we transform coco, nuts, seeds, fruit, and pulses into delectable snacks and chocolates for both our in-house label and renowned branded ranges. With a robust and continually growing portfolio, we've earned compliments for our commitment to quality and continuous product innovation. You might have enjoyed our products before, perhaps without even realising it!
Situated in Heckington (Sleaford), Sherburn in Elmet and Bromborough, we are an integral part of the Zertus UK & Ireland Snacking & Chocolate Market Unit, collaborating with other esteemed food manufacturers nationwide. Join us on a flavourful journey where innovation, quality, and a passion for snacking come together. Our talented teams have created a growing portfolio of our own famous brands including NOMO, Sun Valley Nuts, Kinnerton Kids, The Fruit Factory, Yum & Yay, Humzingers, as well as collaborations with Bailey's, Guinness and Budweiser!
Application & Interview Process
Please apply online and ensure all application questions are completed. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a phone screening, followed by a two-stage interview process, which includes a site visit and factory tour.
Humdinger is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage. The provision of this information is likely to include special category data and is therefore covered by data protection laws. We ask for this information so that we are fully aware of any adjustments needed and we will use the information provided to inform our decisions about making those changes.
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