New Product Development Manager

The Sterling Choice; Wales; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in North Wales is seeking an NPD Manager for a 10-12 month FTC. The role involves leading the NPD team, turning concepts into live products, and managing factory trials. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in product launches and experience in compliance and leadership.

Qualifications

• Track record of getting new products launched.
• Experience leading teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing a capable NPD team.
• Managing factory trials and process tweaks.
• Keeping timelines and stakeholders in line.

Skills

Leadership

Product Development

Compliance

Resilience

Job description

NPD Manager (10-12 month FTC)

Food manufacturing

North Wales

£65,000

If you’ve led NPD teams, taken ideas from “what if” to “on shelf,” and know what it’s like to wrestle with factory trials that don’t go to plan — this job’s for you.

You’ll run the full end-to-end development process. No hand-holding. No fluff. Just the autonomy to lead, the team to support you, and the expectation that things actually get launched — properly and on time.

What you’ll be doing (a.k.a. the stuff that actually matters):

• Leading and developing a capable NPD team (they’re solid — they just need direction).
• Turning concepts into live products, from paper to production.
• Working cross-functionally with people who care more about results than job titles.
• Managing factory trials, process tweaks, and first productions — and staying calm when the wheels wobble.
• Keeping the paperwork, timelines, and stakeholders in line without losing your mind.
• Being the go-to person when something isn’t working — and fixing it without drama.

What you’ll need:

• A track record of getting new products launched. Not just theorising — doing.
• Experience leading people, not micromanaging them.
• A solid grip on compliance, systems, and how to keep auditors out of your hair.
• Enough resilience to handle pressure without turning into a motivational quote.

You’ll be left to get on with it. No one’s going to breathe down your neck, but the expectations are high — because the team, the business, and the customers deserve it.

Sound like your kind of challenge?

Reply to this. Or send your CV. Or both. Your call.