Head of NPD

FMCG Exec; Crewe; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

FMCG Exec is seeking a seasoned Head of New Product Development to lead the innovation and product development function in a food manufacturing context. This senior role drives the NPD strategy, translating customer requirements and market opportunities into commercially successful products.

You will oversee the full development process, from concept through to factory trials, launch and post-launch review, collaborating with Commercial, Technical, Operations, Procurement and Supply Chain to

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading NPD in food manufacturing.
• Proven track record taking products from concept to launch.
• Strong ability to translate customer needs into commercial products.
• Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the NPD and innovation strategy.
• Oversee end-to-end product development from concept to launch and post-launch review.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Technical, Operations, Procurement and Supply Chain teams.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality and cost targets across development.
• Lead and develop the NPD team and manage resource allocation.

Skills

NPD leadership

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional teamwork

Commercial mindset

Project management

Food manufacturing

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Head of New Product Development to lead the innovation and product development function within a food manufacturing business.

This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for developing and delivering the NPD strategy, translating customer requirements and market opportunities into commercially successful products.

The role will oversee the full development process, from concept generation and recipe development through to factory trials, product launch and post-launch review.

Working closely with Commercial, Technical, Operations, Procurement and Supply Chain teams, the successful candidate will ensure that new products meet customer expectations, food safety and quality standards, cost targets and manufacturing capabilities.

The ideal candidate will combine strong food product development expertise with commercial awareness, strategic thinking and the ability to lead teams and cross-functional projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

NPD Strategy and Innovation

• Develop and implement the NPD and innovation strategy in line with the company's commercial objectives and growth plans.
• Identify new product opportunities through customer insight, market trends, competitor activity and emerging food categories.
• Build and manage a balanced development pipeline, covering customer-led projects, product renovation, reformulation and longer-term innovation.
• Work closely with the senior leadership team to prioritise projects based on commercial opportunity, technical feasibility, capacity and return on investment.
• Champion a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and consumer-focused product development.

Product Development and Launch

• Lead the end-to-end NPD process, from initial concept and feasibility through to product launch and post-launch evaluation.
• Oversee recipe development, ingredient selection, product specifications, sensory evaluation, shelf-life trials and validation.
• Ensure products meet agreed customer briefs, nutritional requirements, quality standards, cost targets and launch deadlines.
• Coordinate factory trials, scale-up activity and production handovers to ensure products can be manufactured consistently and efficiently at commercial scale.
• Manage product changes, reformulation, cost optimisation and value engineering initiatives.
• Ensure all relevant product documentation is completed accurately and maintained throughout the development process.

Commercial and Customer Collaboration

• Work closely with Commercial and Key Account teams to understand customer briefs, identify opportunities and support customer presentations and product tastings.
• Translate customer requirements into viable product concepts, technical briefs and development plans.
• Assess product feasibility, costings, margins and manufacturing implications before committing to development projects.
• Support customer meetings, innovation workshops, presentations and product approval processes.
• Build effective relationships with customers, ingredient suppliers, packaging partners and other external stakeholders.

Cross-Functional Manufacturing Delivery

• Collaborate with Technical, Quality, Operations, Engineering, Procurement and Supply Chain to ensure successful product introduction.
• Ensure new products are compatible with existing manufacturing equipment, processes, labour requirements and site capacity.
• Identify and resolve technical or operational challenges during trials, scale-up and launch.
• Ensure appropriate food safety, allergen management, quality, labelling and regulatory requirements are incorporated into product development.
• Work with Procurement to evaluate ingredient and packaging options, supplier capability, availability, cost and supply risk.
• Ensure clear handover of products, processes and documentation to manufacturing and technical teams.

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, motivate and develop the NPD team, setting clear objectives and maintaining high standards of performance.
• Establish a collaborative working environment across NPD and wider business functions.
• Develop team capability, technical knowledge and project management skills.
• Ensure resources are allocated effectively across the development pipeline.
• Promote accountability, clear communication and a structured approach to delivering projects on time and in full.

About You

You will be an experienced food product development professional with a proven track record of leading NPD teams and delivering successful products within a food manufacturing environment.

You will ideally have:

• Significant experience in food manufacturing NPD, including experience at Head of NPD, NPD Director, NPD Manager or equivalent senior level.
• A strong track record of delivering new products from concept through to factory launch.
• Experience developing and implementing an NPD strategy aligned with commercial and business objectives.
• A good understanding of food formulation, ingredients, processing, shelf life, sensory evaluation and product scale-up.
• Experience working with major retail, foodservice or branded customers, depending on the business's customer base.
• Strong commercial awareness, including product costing, margin management, value engineering and return on investment.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects involving Commercial, Technical, Operations and Supply Chain.
• Knowledge of food safety, allergens, labelling, specifications and relevant food legislation.
• Proven leadership skills, with experience developing teams and managing competing priorities.
• Strong project management, analytical, communication and presentation skills.
• The ability to balance creativity and innovation with operational practicality and commercial discipline.