NPD Product Manager - 1 year FTC

ABOUT KEPAK FOODS

Kepak Foods Division are part of Kepak Group - Irish-based food company serving international markets, restaurants, and household foodservice names with prime cuts of meat, on-trend foodservice solutions and ready-for-market convenience foods.

Kepak Foods Division over the last decade has developed a comprehensive range of premium food products, concept solutions and value-added services for our valued customers. As a priority within our business, we form good open working relationships with our customers, demonstrating profit-making opportunities that we can invest in.

PRODUCT MANAGER - NPD

ROLE SUMMARY

As Product Manager, you will be supporting the NPD & Innovation Manager in setting the NPD agenda and leading the development team to support the delivery of development activity across the NPD and Innovation function at Kepak.

Working on projects from concept to launch in both Kirkham (UK) and Ireland, launching new products with confidence whilst adhering to the Kepak NPD processes and ensuring technical and quality standards are achieved.

You will also assist in leading internal and external projects and facilitate successful scale up into the factory to meet both customer and business expectations.

Reporting to: NDP & Innovation Manager

Job Type: 1 Year Fixed Term Contract - Full time

Location: Corporate Park Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, Ireland (*Hybrid Role – options for remote & in office work)

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the creation of innovative products with the culinary team, ensuring alignment with briefs for Brand and Private Label ranges while staying ahead of market trends
• Collaborate with the NPD & Innovation Manager to drive NPD, EPD, and BlueSky concepts, managing projects end-to-end with cross-functional teams and key suppliers
• Enhance existing recipes, experiment with ingredients, and coordinate to meet timelines and commercial targets, proactively addressing challenges
• Develop products for food service and retail, focusing on quality, cost-efficiency, and nutrition through continuous EPD research. Use Wrike to track progress and escalate issues
• Work closely with operations, technical, and purchasing teams to manage changes such as supplier onboarding, ingredient transfers, and shelf life extension
• Lead factory trials to optimize products and processes per Kepak NPD standards.
• Conduct competitor reviews to build market insights
• Mentor and develop direct reports, fostering creativity and driving ambitious projects for team growth and success

Requirements:
• Food technology/science related qualification
• 4+ years’ experience in NPD at senior level
• Commercially aware with a good grasp of consumer trends and the retail landscape.
• Experience working in matrix style structures requiring alignment to multiple functions.
• Experience in process and development function.

Benefits:
• Company Pension

• Further Education support - You’ll have clear pathways for advancement, supported by continuous professional development and a range of learning opportunities
• Employee Discount Platform - All Kepak employees are entitled to access to the WrkIt platform, which offers significant discounts and cashback with hundreds of brands.
• Paid Maternity Leave
• Refer a Friend Scheme - Earn up to Get up to €500 for successfully referring a friend or family member to Kepak Group.
• Bike to Work Scheme - Purchase 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

Note: As with all positions, due to the nature of our business, key responsibilities will evolve and change over time.

Kepak is an Equal Opportunities Employer

#IND