Are you an experienced Senior NPD professional looking for an opportunity to lead exciting branded innovation projects on a global scale?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an established and highly regarded business on a 12-14 month fixed-term contract, working across an exciting portfolio of branded products. Based in the Home Counties with flexible working available, you'll be supported by an experienced team while taking ownership of key strategic initiatives. With strong internal progression opportunities and the potential for permanent roles within the wider business, this position would suit someone who enjoys combining technical expertise with project leadership in a fast-paced environment.

You will be responsible for, but not limited to:

• Leading complex NPD programmes and delivering projects from concept through to launch across multiple markets
• Managing technical aspects of product design, ensuring quality, cost, and timing objectives are achieved
• Working closely with commercial and regional teams to deliver innovation and expansion initiatives
• Providing technical responses to commercial briefs and translating requirements into robust development plans
• Identifying technical challenges, managing risks, and implementing effective solutions
• Leading bench development, pilot plant activities, and factory trials to support successful product launches
• Managing project plans, timelines, resources, and trial budgets to ensure efficient delivery
• Collaborating cross-functionally with marketing, operations, engineering, and external partners to overcome technical hurdles
• Supporting the development of future technologies and scalable innovation platforms
• Ensuring all documentation, specifications, and stage-gate requirements are completed accurately and on time
• Driving continuous improvement and maintaining high standards across development activities
• Acting as a technical mentor to colleagues and supporting the development of the wider team
• Contributing to long-term innovation strategies and proactively identifying future opportunities

What's required?

• Proven experience in a Senior NPD, R&D, or Product Development role within food manufacturing
• Strong project management skills with experience leading concept-to-launch programmes
• Experience managing pilot plant and factory trials
• Strong technical understanding of product development and process technologies
• Knowledge of process or chemical engineering principles would be advantageous
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of customer and consumer needs
• Experience mentoring and developing others
• A proactive, self-starting approach with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement

What's in it for you?

A rare opportunity to join a leading branded business on a high-profile assignment, working on exciting innovation projects with flexible working, strong team support, and the potential to explore longer-term opportunities within the wider organisation.

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

ID 258