NPD Man­ag­er

Job Purpose:

To lead and develop the NPD and Process management function within the business, ensuring the

successful delivery of innovative, commercially viable and high-quality food products from concept

through to factory launch.

The role will also support the continuous improvement of factory processes to enhance product

consistency, efficiency and cost performance.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the NPD team in the development of new and existing products
• Manage customer briefs and convert requirements into commercially viable products
• Oversee product development from concept, kitchen trials, factory trials, and launch
• Ensure all relevant NPD procedures and compliance documentation are completed
• Support process improvements within manufacturing to optimise efficiency
• Work collaboratively with production, technical, purchasing, and sales teams
• Conduct supplier engagement and raw material innovation activities
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer demands
• Participate in customer meetings, product presentations, and trade shows
• Support cost reduction and process optimisation initiatives
• Contribute to the company’s strategic growth plans

Note that the list of duties is not exhaustive and is intended for guidance only.

Requirements, Experience and Person Specification:

Essential:

• Experience within food manufacturing / FMCG
• Strong understanding of NPD processes
• Leadership and team management capability
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong project management ability
• Commercial awareness and customer focus
• Passion for food innovation

Desirable:

• Minimum 5 years of experience managing a similar departmental function
• Factory process knowledge of sausage or meat products
• Experience in chilled and frozen food manufacturing
• Experience working with both retail and B2B customer briefs
• Good communication skills
• Strong team leader

Skills:

• Computer literacy
• Strong project management skills
• Good communication skills

What We Offer:

• Training and carer development
• Friendly work environment
• Pension package
• Access to our ‘Feed your Wellbeing’ hub, offering a range of retail, restaurant and entertainment discounts and wellbeing support
• Cycle to work scheme
• Opportunity to purchase extra holiday
• Discounted share scheme
• Discounted local gym membership
• Death in service insurance
• Additional holiday with service

Salary: £40,000 - £45,000

Closing date: June 5th 2026