Innovation Manager (FOOD)

JR United Kingdom; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent food business seeks a creative Innovation Manager to spearhead product development at their Bristol site. This position demands strong project management skills and experience in food manufacturing, allowing for the creation of market-leading products. Join a values-led environment where your ideas can thrive and impact a growing product portfolio.

Qualifications

• Strong track record in food manufacturing.
• Confident in presenting ideas and managing projects.
• Experience in NPD and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple NPD projects across brands.
• Ensure alignment with commercial goals.
• Develop products from concept to approval.

Skills

Creativity

Project Management

Ingredient Knowledge

Recipe Formulation

Job description

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This award-winning food business is known for its high-quality, insight-led product innovation across multiple categories and is looking for a creative and commercially minded Innovation Manager to join a large product team and help drive the development of market-leading products.

This is a site-based role with some travel to other manufacturing sites and customers, so a full UK driving licence is essential.

The Role

Reporting into the Senior Innovation Manager, you’ll be at the forefront of concept development, from kitchen to customer approval. This is a hands-on, foodie role where you’ll create and evolve products that balance creativity with technical feasibility, using market insights, consumer trends, and your own passion for food innovation.

You’ll lead multiple NPD projects across their brands, ensuring each one is aligned with commercial goals and customer expectations. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you’ll keep critical paths on track and deliver solutions with speed and precision. From building compelling customer presentations, sourcing innovative raw materials, to supporting trend safaris, you’ll help keep the business ahead of the curve.

The Candidate

You’ll be a creative and foodie Senior Product Developer or NPD Manager with a strong track record within food manufacturing, particularly in bringing great concepts to shelf. With deep knowledge of ingredients and recipe formulation, you combine creative flair with a meticulous approach to development. You’re confident managing multiple projects at pace, presenting ideas to customers, and influencing internal teams across departments. Ideally, you also have some people management experience.

This is a brilliant opportunity to shape a growing product portfolio within a values-led food business. You’ll work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where your ideas and expertise can truly make a difference.

Apply now or call us on 0345 2600 737 / 07700 137 110 to find out more.

Ref: L6864

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Due to the large number of applications our opportunities attract, it sometimes takes us time to thoroughly review and consider them all. We endeavour to respond to every application within 5 working days. However, if you have not heard from us within this timeframe, we are sorry to say your application for the role has not been successful. To support you in showcasing your best self, we ensure that any necessary accommodations, whether physical or non-physical, are provided to assist you throughout the job application and interview process.

Also, please note that we are only able to accept and respond to applications from candidates with eligibility to work in the UK and those who hold valid work visas.