Are you an experienced NPD professional ready to lead innovation from concept through to launch in a customer-facing role?

This is a hands-on NPD Manager position with full ownership of both NPD and EPD activity. You’ll work closely with customers and internal teams to deliver commercially viable, technically robust products, while driving innovation, managing critical paths, and ensuring smooth handover into manufacturing.

You will be responsible for, but not limited to:

• Managing NPD and EPD projects from initial concept through to successful launch.
• Ensuring all new developments meet agreed briefs and are commercially workable in practice.
• Owning and embedding a clear, structured NPD process, ensuring compliance and effective communication at each stage.
• Managing feasibility to ensure products meet cost, quality, technical, and operational requirements.
• Leading factory trials, supporting first productions, and ensuring smooth handover to site teams.
• Modifying and improving existing recipes to meet changing requirements, including reformulation and cost optimisation.
• Carrying out internal and external benchmarking, taste panels, and product reviews.
• Maintaining strong collaboration with commercial, technical, process, and site teams.
• Working hands-on in the development kitchen where required.
• Tracking competitor activity, food trends, and market developments to drive innovation.
• Supporting and leading customer presentations, visits, and ongoing NPD/EPD updates.
• Ensuring all NPD activity aligns with customer brand standards and food safety requirements.
• Coordinating and communicating project status clearly across all stakeholders.

What’s required?

• Proven experience in an NPD Manager role within a food manufacturing environment.
• Retail customer experience with strong customer-facing and presentation skills.
• Degree-qualified in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
• Strong project and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance creativity and feasibility.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills at all levels.
• Confident working both independently and as part of a wider team.
• Creative mindset with a strong interest in food trends and innovation.
• Comfortable challenging the status quo to drive continuous improvement.
• Competent with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

‍

Do you think you fit the criteria?

Want to find out more about the role?

(ID 230)