Exclusive - Senior Development Manager

Zest; Bierton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Zest is seeking a Senior Development Manager to lead innovation across a major portfolio within a fast-paced UK food manufacturing environment. You will own the product journey from concept through to customer handover, driving the NPD pipeline while collaborating with Commercial, Category, Technical and Operations teams.

With at least four years of relevant experience, you will influence and inspire others, manage two direct reports, and travel to other sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Four+ years of experience in a fast-paced UK food manufacturing environment.
• Two direct reports to develop and mentor.
• Full driving licence and own transport; occasional travel to other sites.

Responsibilities

• Take the reins on innovation for a major portfolio from concept to customer handover.
• Drive the NPD pipeline in partnership with Commercial, Category, Technical and Operations teams.
• Present confidently to major retail customers and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Innovation

Product development

Commercial awareness

Job description

We are recruiting for a Senior Development Manager to lead innovation at a business with an award-winning culture, a real sense of purpose and a passion for giving back that runs through everything it does, from ambitious sustainability goals to a heavy commitment to supporting local charities. The role is offered on a 4 days on site, 1 day working from home basis.

This is your chance to take the reins on innovation for a major portfolio, owning the product journey from first concept through to customer handover. You will be the driving force behind the NPD pipeline, working hand in hand with Commercial, Category, Technical and Operations teams to push boundaries on product and process innovation while keeping a sharp eye on commercial feasibility. One minute you'll be elbow-deep in the development kitchen, the next you'll be presenting confidently to a major retail customer, bringing your knowledge and enthusiasm to every conversation.

We are looking for someone with at least four years' experience in a fast-paced UK food manufacturing environment, a natural ability to inspire and influence those around them, and genuine leadership credentials. You will have two direct reports to develop and mentor, helping to build a team that's as engaged and high-performing as the site itself. A full driving licence and your own transport are needed, as the role may involve occasional travel to other sites.

If you want to bring your passion for food and your commercial know-how to a site that truly lives its values and makes a difference beyond the factory floor, this could be the move you've been waiting for.