Are you a customer-facing NPD Manager who enjoys turning briefs into successful products from concept through to launch?

This is a hands-on, commercially focused NPD role working across chilled and ambient desserts, covering both own-label and branded products. You’ll be the key link between customers, internal teams, and the factory, owning projects end to end and playing a visible role in bringing new products to market with major UK retailers.

You will be responsible for, but not limited to:

• Managing NPD projects from initial customer brief through development, factory trials, and final launch.
• Acting as the main customer contact for development, optimisation, and improvement projects.
• Translating customer briefs into feasible, commercially viable products aligned with factory capabilities.
• Developing recipes through kitchen trials, pilot work, and industrial trials, including organoleptic assessment.
• Coordinating and leading factory trials, communicating outcomes, actions, and follow-ups clearly.
• Providing hands-on support and training to production teams during trials and scale-up.
• Overseeing artwork development, ensuring correct processes, legal checks, and final sign-off.
• Supporting the factory with product and process expertise as required.
• Collaborating closely with technical, commercial, and operations teams to ensure smooth launches.
• Managing project timelines, costings input, and supporting commercial pricing recommendations.

What’s required?

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
• Experience in a customer-facing NPD or development role within food manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes and product scale-up.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects in parallel.
• Confident communicator, comfortable presenting to customers and influencing stakeholders.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance feasibility, cost, and quality.
• Hands-on, proactive approach with the ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.
• Flexibility to support trials and changing priorities when required.

What’s in it for you?

A varied, customer-facing NPD role with real ownership, strong retailer exposure, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact across both branded and own-label development in a growing environment.

Do you think you fit the criteria?
Want to find out more about the role?

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