Product Development; NPD Specialist

Position: New Product Development (NPD) Specialist
More About

The Role
At Morrisons, we're proud to produce and manufacture many of our own food products, helping us stay close to our customers' needs. You'll be part of an exciting team that creates delicious, food products, whether it's innovating new items or perfecting existing ones, your work will have a direct impact on our customers’ tables.
As a key player in our product development team, you’ll take ownership of both New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) projects. From mind-mapping fresh ideas to launching them in stores, you’ll oversee the entire process, ensuring everything runs smoothly and on time.

Key Responsibilities:

Own the Process:
You’ll lead the development journey from concept to launch, making sure every step is delivered with care
Communicate Like a Pro:
Keep everyone in the loop, from retail teams to suppliers, making sure all stakeholders are up to speed on the progress of each project
Stay on Track:
You’ll manage timelines and tasks like a seasoned project manager, keeping everything on schedule
Be Detail-Oriented:
Ensure all documentation is spot-on for regulatory compliance and consistency
Collaborate with wider Teams:
Work closely with wider colleagues to turn their product briefs into reality, ensuring we meet and exceed customer expectations
Work with Suppliers:
Source new raw materials, collaborate with suppliers, and handle the paperwork to keep projects moving forward
Get Creative:
You’ll formulate recipes and prepare samples that bring product briefs to life, showcasing your culinary flair
Factory Involvement:
Coordinate factory trials and oversee the first production runs to ensure top-notch quality and consistency
Benchmark and Taste:
Organise tasting sessions and benchmarking to assess product quality, and create action plans for improvements
Evaluate Success:
Post launch, you’ll review product performance and make any tweaks to keep our products at the top of their game

About You
In addition to the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description, there are several key qualifications and attributes that are essential for success in this role::

Exceptional Communication

Skills:

You should possess the ability to inspire and engage with stakeholders at all levels and across various functions within the organisation. Clear and persuasive communication can facilitate collaboration and project success
Strong Project Management

Experience:

Demonstrated experience in New Product Development (NPD) is crucial for this role. You should have a track record of successfully managing NPD projects, from concept to launch
Relationship Building

Skills:

Building and maintaining strong relationships with colleagues, suppliers, and other stakeholders is a vital part of this role. Your ability to connect with and influence others will be important for project success
Enthusiasm and Drive: A proactive and results-oriented mind-set is necessary to drive projects forward and deliver on objectives. Enthusiasm and motivation can inspire teams and keep projects on track
Organisational

Skills:

Strong organisational skills are essential for managing complex projects with multiple tasks and deadlines. Prioritisation is key to ensuring that all aspects of the product development process run smoothly

In return for your hard work we will offer you:

Six weeks holiday (including bank holidays)
15% discount in our stores available from the day you join us
Additional 10% discount card for a friend or family member
Career progression and development opportunities
Subsidised staff canteen
Free parking
Market leading pension and life assurance
Healthcare/Well-being benefits including Aviva Digital GP
Morrisons MyPerks with discounts at high street shops, cinemas and gyms, and lots more
Long Service Awards
Optional Payroll charity donations
Enhanced Family/maternity/parental leave

About The Company
You’ll find a great big welcome here at Myton Food Group - the part of our business that looks after manufacturing, whilst maintaining strong roots within Morrisons Supermarkets.
At Myton Food Group, we have a legacy to be proud of. We’re British farming’s biggest single direct customer. We buy from highly valued suppliers. And we’re passionate about the quality of our food. Today, we have 19 manufacturing sites across the UK, where we pack and process fresh meats and fish, savoury and sweet pies, fruit and veg, flower bouquets, bread and lots more.
We really do stand out in the world of food manufacturing. But what we’re especially proud of is the way we all get stuck in and work as a team, in partnership across our supply chain. Read more about what we do at our Myton Food Group website