Position details
Role Title: NPD Manager
Working arrangement: On-site position, working across standard business hours
Benefits:
- Excellent team and excellent company culture
- Significant career development opportunities
- Successful, well-funded private company
- On-site, ample parking available
NPD Manager - Chocolate
We are seeking an experienced and creative NPD Manager to lead the development of new chocolate products from concept to launch. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food science, chocolate product development, and market trends, along with a passion for innovation. This role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams, including marketing, production, and quality assurance, to ensure successful product innovation and execution.
NPD professionals with experience developing chocolate products that require processing by high performance five roll refiner equipment will be highly regarded.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the end-to-end new product development process, from ideation to commercialisation
- Research market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor products to identify opportunities for innovation.
- Develop and test new chocolate formulations, flavours, and formats in collaboration with R&D and production teams
- Work closely with procurement to source high-quality raw materials and ensure cost-effective production
- Collaborate with marketing to create compelling product positioning and branding strategies
- Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to refine product concepts
- Ensure all new products comply with food safety regulations and quality standards
- Manage timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful product launches
The Successful candidate will possess:
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Arts, or a related field
- 5 – 7 + years of experience in product development, preferably in the chocolate or confectionery industry
- Strong knowledge of chocolate formulation, processing techniques, and ingredient functionality.
- Experience in project management and cross-functional collaboration
- Understanding of food safety regulations and quality control standards
- Excellent problem-solving skills and a passion for innovation
- Strong communication and leadership skills
About the company
Our client is a leading chocolate manufacturer based in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. With a significant number of manufacturing sites globally, they are poised towards further growth locally, with newly created vacancies across production, NPD, QA and engineering in the pipeline.
About Veritas Recruitment
Veritas are committed to placing you in the perfect temporary/contract or permanent role, the one thing we do is listen We understand the markets in which we work and provide advice on how to leverage yourself for the best opportunities. Our approach is honest, straight forward and responsive. We ensure that you are supported and guided through every step of the process and always treated as an individual.
https://www.veritasrecruitment.com.au/
How to apply
Please click APPLY to submit your resume and cover letter.
Questions can be directed to Leah Creswick at Veritas Recruitment on 0426 842 203.