New Product Development Manager

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

Job summary

A leading recruitment partner in the UK seeks a New Product Development Manager in Maidstone. This role involves driving innovative food products for top UK retailers, working from concept to launch in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate has solid experience in food product development, strong commercial acumen, and excellent project management skills. Join us to shape the future of fresh food!

Qualifications

• Solid experience in food product development, ideally chilled/fresh.
• Confidence in managing cross-functional projects.

Responsibilities

• Drive new and improved products for UK retailers.
• Lead innovation pipelines for customers.
• Oversee product trials and factory readiness.

Skills

Food product development experience

Commercial acumen

Project management

Data-driven decision making

Stakeholder management

Job description

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New Product Development Manager, maidstone

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Client:

Advocate Group

Location:

maidstone, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

2

Posted:

22.08.2025

Expiry Date:

06.10.2025

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Job Description:

Do you have a knack for turning creative food ideas into retail-ready success stories? Join a growing team at the heart of food product innovation, where no two days look the same — and your ideas can shape what’s next in food.

The Advocate Group are currently working with a market leading Food business on this exciting NPD Manager role.

As NPD Manager, you’ll be central to driving new and improved products for leading UK retailers. From concept through to launch, you’ll collaborate with insight, commercial, technical, and production teams to make sure each development is creative, on-trend, and commercially sound.

You’ll also play a key role in:

• Leading innovation pipelines for both new and existing customers
• Identifying market trends and untapped opportunities
• Overseeing product trials and factory readiness
• Coordinating internal approvals to keep launches on track
• Supporting long-term category growth strategies

The ideal candidate will have

• Solid experience in food product development (chilled/fresh preferred) but would consider food, drink or broader FMCG experience
• Strong commercial acumen and a strategic mindset
• The ability to balance creativity with practical execution
• Experience managing cross-functional projects
• Confidence using data and market insights to guide decisions
• Great communication and stakeholder management skills

Ready to shape the future of fresh food? Apply today and take your NPD career to the next level.

For more details or to discuss how we can support your career, please get in touch with John, or click “Apply Now” to be considered.

The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner, based in the UK, to the FMCG and consumer product sectors.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Please note that The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.