New Product Development Manager

Seven; Sevenoaks; On-site; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing SME in beverages located in Sevenoaks seeks an NPD Manager to lead product development from concept to launch. The ideal candidate will have a background in food or beverages, strong project management skills, and a creative mindset. This role offers a salary of £38k plus performance bonuses, medical healthcare, and other benefits, including a pension contribution and generous holiday allowances.

Benefits

Medical healthcare

8% pension contribution

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Background in food, beverage, or engineering with product development experience.
• Knowledge of ingredients, packaging, and manufacturing processes.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development from concept to launch.
• Collaborate with technical and production teams for product launches.
• Manage budgets and timelines while ensuring food safety and quality.

Skills

Product development

Project management

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Creative and innovative thinking

Job description

Overview

NPD Manager, Bespoke SME Beverages Business. Office Based / On-Site - Sevenoaks

£38k + Performance Bonus

Role – NPD Manager

• Lead end-to-end product development from concept and research through to trials, production, and launch.
• Spot emerging consumer trends and turn insights into commercially viable products.
• Collaborate with technical, production, supply chain, and external partners to deliver successful launches.
• Ensure food safety, quality, and compliance while managing budgets and timelines.
• Prepare pricing structures, reports, and presentations to support decision-making.
• Build strong supplier and client relationships to drive innovation and continuous improvement.

Ideal Candidate

• Background in food, beverage, or engineering with product development and project management experience.
• Knowledge of ingredients, packaging, and manufacturing processes.
• Creative, innovative, and commercially aware with a passion for industry trends.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills, able to multitask and adapt to change.
• Experience managing budgets and projects within a manufacturing environment.
• Full UK driving licence.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to shape premium products and make a tangible impact in a growing SME.
• £38k and performance-related bonus.
• Medical healthcare, 8% pension contribution, 25 days holiday + bank holidays, and Employee Assistance Programme.

If you fit the above profile, please get in touch. Send your CV quoting reference 19/17480/7. Confidentiality assured.

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