New Product Development Process Manager (14 month FTC)

So, what will I be doing?

At Yeo Valley, we’ve been making delicious, organic dairy products for over 50 years. As a family‑run business, we believe in doing things the right way – sustainably, ethically, and with people at the heart of what we do.

We are looking for a Process Manager to join our Central Development Team on a 14‑month FTC to cover maternity leave. This role will be based at our Newton Abbot site and the working hours are 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday).

Role

• Supervising existing and developing new site processes
• Lead the Product & Material reformulation site plan
• Supporting Capital Projects with Senior Process Manager
• Managing NPD/EPD site launches

Key Responsibilities

• Product Innovation Support
• Nominated site lead contact for Yeo Valley Process Development for internal and external projects associated with assigned site.
• To manage specific NPD projects from Gate 3 approval to Gate 6 Post Launch Review, ensuring the relevant stakeholders are involved at the right stage and aligned, and the business has clear visibility on the NPD agenda for your allocated site and the state of play on current projects.
• To develop and maintain excellent customer relationships with defined retailers through a customer ‘intimate’ approach. Must be able to explain difficult or sensitive information and be willing to step in & support more junior team members in this area.
• To present and discuss factory trial products with the customer and, where applicable, attend high‑profile pre‑productions.
• To manage trial requests from customers or internal colleagues for new business, new customers, product range presentations.
• Has accountability of the results and performance of their site process team with regards to NPD success and reaching targets/objectives.
• To assist the technical teams in maintaining the quality management systems and processes in line with legal, customer, company and other best practice requirements which create, maintain and improve the integrity and food safety and quality of all products manufactured.
• Conduct process audits and support root cause analysis when quality or efficiency issues arise.
• You will own the Process Development Systems for your site and ensure they are always up to date, as well as managing and implementing the internal audit of these systems.

Essential

• Technical Skills – Expertise in product formulation & sensory analysis.
• Project Management – Experience in managing multiple product development projects simultaneously, with a focus on meeting deadlines and managing resources effectively.
• Knowledge of Ingredients – Strong understanding of the functional properties of yogurt, desserts & ice cream, savoury or fruit.
• Teamwork – Ability to work well with a collaborative, cross‑functional team environment and lead in own area of expertise. Ability to encourage & lead within own team.
• Problem Solving – Leads the team with troubleshooting skills & guidance. Proficiency in analysing complex technical challenges & implementing solutions. Familiar with Root Cause Analysis. Support & mentor team members.
• Communication – Excellent verbal & written skills with the ability to present ideas and data clearly to technical & non‑technical stakeholders.
• Driver’s License – Essential due to multi‑site locations.

Qualifications

• Food qualification or previous food manufacturing or catering experience.
• Minimum 5 years of post‑graduate experience in a food NPD role, preferably within dairy, desserts, ice cream, savoury or fruit. Ideally have some people management experience.

Desirable Skills

• Industry Knowledge – Working knowledge of relevant legislation, criteria and food production industry standards (HACCP).
• Large Scale Capital Projects – Ideally experience in managing or supporting.
• Business Acumen – Commercial awareness with the ability to identify & maximise opportunities while minimising costs.

Personal Attributes

• Detail‑Oriented – Meticulous attention to detail in both product development and documentation.
• Adaptability – Able to work in a fast‑paced environment and adjust to changing priorities & project timelines. Resilience and supporting others are key.
• Analytical Thinker – Strong analytical skills, capable of interpreting data to guide decision‑making processes.
• Tenacious & “can do” attitude.
• Self‑driven with a growth mindset and can use initiative.
• Desire and ability to influence & drive change.
• Hands‑on & practical approach to working.
• Good IT skills – Microsoft and database systems.
• Influential – Ability to pull cross‑functional teams in one direction with the right level of data and detail to make decisions.

Benefits

• Competitive holiday allowance
• Non‑contributory pension scheme
• Life cover
• Healthcare cash‑back plan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Subsidised Yeo Valley products and services
• Preferential rates with our partners
• Learning and development opportunities; we’re committed to ensuring all employees have the chance to grow.

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