NPD Project Manager

Andros is an industrial, family-owned company based in south west France with a turnover of over 2.5 billion Euros. It is a leading European fruit transformation and chilled dairy producer manufacturing the internationally famous brand Bonne Maman, as well as many private label products.

Andros Group:

·        Production facilities across Europe and beyond (USA, China, New Zealand…)

·        4 poles of development: Fruit, Chilled Dairy, Confectionery, Frozen Desserts

·        A real industrial know-how and a significant will to introduce innovations

·        Both a branded (Bonne Maman, Andros) and private label supplier

The company has experienced rapid growth becoming a top 150 UK food & drink business in 2020. This growth has been driven across both the preserves and desserts categories through the success of the Bonne Maman brand as well as an extensive private label activity. The products are either imported or produced in the dedicated chilled dessert facility in the South West of England. There is an ambitious investment plan for the coming years.

To support this growth we are now seeking a NPD project manager, reporting to the Innovation Manager, this role supports the development and optimisation of the Company’s product range in line with the strategy defined by the business.

What to expect…

At Andros, we believe in crafting food that brings joy to everyday moments, whether it’s a familiar dessert or an unexpected new flavour. As our next NPD Project Manager, you’ll play a key role in bringing those products to life.

This role is ideal for someone with 3 – 5 years’ experience in food development who’s ready to take ownership of projects – from first brief to product launch. You’ll have the autonomy to move between departments, collaborate closely with customers, and see your work come to life on shelves.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

You’ll play a key role in bringing new products to life, from developing early ideas and coordinating trials, to managing packaging and helping ensure a smooth, successful launch into store.

You will:

• Work closely with colleagues in Sales and Category to spot market opportunities and support development ideas that meet customer needs.
• Be your customer’s main point of contact for development, optimisation, and improvement projects, supporting them from brief to launch and helping with any queries about products, processes, or packaging.
• Get hands-on experience presenting to customers, including the opportunity to travel to their head offices and represent Andros in person.
• Take ownership of artwork development, guiding each project through the right checks and approvals, from initial design to final legal sign-off.
• Support the full development journey, working with teams across the business to coordinate each stage from concept through to launch, and ensuring any factory changes are smoothly managed.
• Help teams across Production, Technical, and Supply get familiar with new products ahead of launch – sharing key info and supporting any training needs.
• Help organise factory trials for new products, sharing results and following up on any actions or improvements. Make sure products can run on existing equipment, and flag any issues early.
• Use the pilot plant and development lab to support product testing and trials. You’ll help identify opportunities to improve how things run and report any equipment issues.

The ideal candidate..

You’re confident in the fundamentals and ready for more; more variety, more autonomy, more visibility. This role offers the chance to lead your own projects, while learning from an experienced manager and working within a supportive, close-knit team.

• Experience in NPD or food product development – dairy or chilled is a bonus, but not essential
• A hands-on, can-do attitude and willingness to get involved on the factory floor
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to keep multiple projects moving at once
• Great communication skills – you’re comfortable presenting ideas and building relationships
• A calm, practical approach to problem-solving under pressure
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities or timelines when needed
• A degree in Food Science, Food Technology or similar – or relevant experience in place of formal qualifications

At Andros, we believe the right person for this role brings more than just experience, they bring energy, curiosity, and a genuine passion for food.

What we value:

• A love for food and product development
• A quick learner who picks things up and adapts fast
• Self-motivation and determination to see things through
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment

Location

The role is based full time in Oldford, Frome, Somerset BA11 2NQ

Company Package

Market Leader in their products and sector
Company pension 6%* employer contribution (*subject to contract)
25 days holiday + Bank holidays
Company sick pay
4 x Death in Service
Wellbeing initiatives – Free eye tests, £90 contribution to prescription lenses
Full training will be given