New Product Development Manager

The Sterling Choice; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life assurance

Wellbeing support

24/7 GP access

Job summary

The Sterling Choice is recruiting on behalf of a leading UK food manufacturer for an experienced NPD Manager on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract or permanent basis. The role will own key product development projects, manage a small NPD team and build strong relationships with major UK retailers.

The role requires regular commuting between two manufacturing sites and occasional travel to customer meetings. You will lead concept‑to‑launch processes, oversee timelines and specifications, collaborate

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' NPD experience in food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Proven track record from concept to launch.
• Experience with major UK retailers.
• Previous team leadership experience.
• Strong communication and project management skills.
• Ability to travel between two sites.

Responsibilities

• Manage NPD from concept to launch.
• Lead and develop a small NPD team.
• Manage a key retail customer account.
• Collaborate with Technical, Operations and Commercial teams.
• Oversee project timelines, specs and launch readiness.
• Ensure retailer standards, quality and manufacturing capabilities.
• Collaborate across two manufacturing sites.

Skills

NPD leadership

FMCG experience

Team management

Retail experience

Project management

Commercial awareness

Multi-project delivery

Driving licence

Job description

We are recruiting for an experienced NPD Manager to join a leading UK food manufacturer on a 12-month fixed-term contract/perm.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of key product development projects, manage a small team and build strong relationships with major UK retail customers.

The role requires regular commuting between two manufacturing sites, alongside occasional travel to customer meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full NPD process from concept and recipe development through to factory trials and successful launch.
• Lead and develop a small NPD team.
• Manage a key retail customer account, building strong relationships and ensuring customer expectations are met.
• Work closely with Technical, Operations and Commercial teams to deliver innovative, commercially viable products.
• Oversee project timelines, product specifications and launch readiness.
• Ensure products meet retailer standards, quality requirements and manufacturing capabilities.
• Collaborate across two manufacturing sites to support successful project delivery.

About You

• Minimum 5 years' experience in NPD within food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Proven track record of delivering products from concept through to launch.
• Experience working with major UK retailers.
• Previous team management or leadership experience.
• Strong commercial awareness, communication and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel regularly between two sites.

What's on Offer?

• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Wellbeing support and 24/7 GP access