New Product Development Manager

COREcruitment; Croydon; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing hospitality group in Croydon is seeking a New Product Development Manager to lead the creation and optimization of dessert and beverage menu items. You will manage the product lifecycle from concept to market launch while collaborating cross-functionally. The ideal candidate has a background in NPD within QSR environments and a passion for innovation. Competitive salary and flexible working options are offered.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Statutory pension

Enhanced healthcare coverage

Flexible working structure

Travel expenses covered

Qualifications

• Experienced in NPD, ideally within QSR or Restaurant environments.
• Comfortable working hands-on in kitchen/lab settings.
• Strong understanding of product costing and margin management.

Responsibilities

• Lead Bi-Annual Menu Development: Drive updates to the menu every six months.
• Manage Full Product Lifecycle: Evaluate and remove underperforming SKUs.
• Balance creativity with cost control and operational feasibility.

Skills

New Product Development

Creativity

Commercial Awareness

Trend Analysis

Collaboration

Job description

About the Business

My client is a fast-growing hospitality group operating across multiple QSR concepts.With a centralised head office in South London and a fully integrated supply chain, they take pride in controlling every aspect of our product development and delivery process.

This role sits within their dedicated Product and Innovation function and plays a crucial role in the continued growth and relevance of our dessert-led flagship brand.

Role Overview

They are looking for aNew Product Development Managerto lead the creation, optimisation, and commercial evaluation of menu items with a strong focus on desserts and beverages.You will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of products, from concept through to market launch, and expected to be hands-on in the kitchen and lab from day one.

Reporting directly to the founder, this is a highly strategic and operational role with real influence on business performance and customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Bi-Annual Menu Development: Drive updates to the menu every six months, creating new food and drink offerings aligned with seasonal trends and consumer preferences.
• Manage Full Product Lifecycle: Evaluate existing menu items, remove underperforming SKUs, and introduce high-performing, profitable alternatives.
• Innovation with Commercial Focus: Balance creativity and customer appeal with strong cost control and operational feasibility.
• Ensure Compliance: Manage allergen information, calorie counts, and meet all legal and nutritional compliance requirements.
• Trend & Consumer Insight: Build a deep understanding of consumer preferences, especially females aged 15–35 and Gen Z customers.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work closely with teams in marketing, operations, and supply chain, as well as external suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• Supplier Engagement: Manage and build strong supplier relationships to ensure quality ingredients and efficient sourcing.

What Success Looks Like

• Successful launch and performance of new menu items
• Improved profitability across product range
• High levels of innovation and Gen Z engagement
• Seamless operational rollout of new products
• Reduction of low-performing or outdated menu items

About You

• Experienced in NPD, ideally within QSR or Restaurant environments
• Comfortable working hands-on in kitchen/lab settings
• Highly creative but commercially grounded
• Strong understanding of product costing, margin management, and operational delivery
• Familiar with food trends, customer insights, and consumer psychology
• Excellent communicator and collaborative team player
• Passion for food, innovation, and fast-paced environments

What’s on Offer

• Competitive base salary: £43,000–£47,000 depending on experience
• Statutory pension and enhanced healthcare coverage
• Flexible and field-based working structure
• Travel expenses covered for trips outside London