New Product Development Manager

JR United Kingdom; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK food manufacturer is seeking a New Product Development Manager to oversee innovative food projects from concept to market. This role provides autonomy in the NPD process and requires strong project management skills, with exposure across various departments to drive product strategy.

Benefits

Product Autonomy

Cross-Functional Exposure

Fast-Paced Environment

High Impact in Innovation-driven Team

Qualifications

• Experience in food NPD, preferably chilled/frozen sectors.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Hands-on approach with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPD and EPD projects from start to finish.
• Manage project timelines and meetings.
• Coordinate tasting sessions and benchmarking.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Tools

Microsoft Office

MS Project

Job description

New Product Development Manager, Maidstone

Client: Advocate Group

Location: Maidstone, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 2

Posted: 04.06.2025

Expiry Date: 19.07.2025

Job Description:

New Product Development Manager

Location: Accrington, Lancashire

Type: Permanent

Salary: Up to £55,000 + benefits

Are you interested in leading innovative food projects for a well-known UK food manufacturer? We are hiring an NPD Manager to oversee the entire product development cycle, from concept to market launch. This role offers a great opportunity for a proactive food professional to influence product strategy in a dynamic environment.

About the Company

Our client is a reputable UK food manufacturer with a strong heritage and a presence in major supermarkets. Based in the North West, they focus on innovation in savoury chilled and frozen foods, operating with a lean structure that promotes speed and autonomy.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Commercial, you will manage the full NPD/EPD process, including kitchen development, factory trials, and product launch. You'll collaborate with various departments, managing timelines, documentation, and approvals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead NPD and EPD projects from start to finish
• Manage project timelines and meetings
• Develop kitchen concepts based on trends and briefs
• Handle costings, packaging, and validation processes
• Work with Technical on specifications and documentation
• Coordinate tasting sessions and benchmarking
• Support Capex projects with Engineering
• Ensure readiness for product launch

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in food NPD, preferably in chilled/frozen sectors
• Strong project management and communication skills
• Ability to work independently
• Hands-on approach with attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; MS Project is a plus
• Experience with both own-label and branded products is desirable

Why Join?

• Product Autonomy: Lead the full NPD process
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Work with Technical, Commercial, Operations, and Engineering teams
• Fast-Paced Environment: Agile with minimal bureaucracy
• Impact: High visibility in an innovation-driven team

The Advocate Group is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy, available on our website. We act as an employment agency for this vacancy.