New Product Development Manager

JR United Kingdom; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a New Product Development Manager to spearhead product innovation and development. This role involves managing projects from concept to launch, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and fostering collaboration across departments. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, bringing creativity and strategic thinking to the table. Join a team that values servant leadership and is dedicated to creating exceptional products that delight customers while making a positive impact on communities. If you're passionate about food and innovation, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in product development and project management.
• Strong understanding of food safety and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage NPD and EPD projects from concept to launch.
• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration and maintain project documentation.

Skills

Product Development

Project Management

Recipe Formulation

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Health & Safety Compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science or Related Field

Tools

Project Management Software

Nutritional Analysis Tools

Job description

The provided job description contains relevant information, but it has inconsistencies and formatting issues that can be improved for clarity and professionalism. Notably, the location in the header is Southampton, but the description mentions Winchester, which should be clarified. The structure can be better organized with consistent use of HTML tags to enhance readability. Minor grammatical adjustments and removal of redundant tags are also recommended. Here is a refined version:

New Product Development Manager, Southampton

Client: Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner

Location: Southampton, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 3

Posted: 05.05.2025

Expiry Date: 19.06.2025

Job Description

NPD Manager – Job Description

Reporting to: R&D Manager

Location: Southampton

Department: R&D

Purpose

• The purpose of this role is to help deliver the company’s mission by:
• Creating a great place to work
• Bringing delight to customers through innovative product development
• Supporting positive contributions to both local and global communities
• Sourcing ingredients ethically

Role Overview

As NPD Manager, you will play a key role in developing and improving products, managing NPD and EPD projects from concept through to launch. You will lead the day-to-day delivery of development activities, coordinate cross-functional collaboration, and contribute to continuous improvement across processes and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Health & Safety

• Comply with all Health & Safety legislation and internal procedures relevant to the role
• Identify and report any issues or concerns

Product Development

• Lead and manage NPD and EPD projects in line with agreed processes and timelines
• Develop new products from concept to production, including recipe formulation and improvements
• Source raw materials and gather relevant information (pricing, specifications, supplier accreditation, etc.)
• Conduct trials, create process specs, and generate sensory and technical reports
• Carry out costings and theoretical nutrition calculations during development
• Coordinate and communicate with Technical, QA, Supply Chain, Production, and Marketing functions
• Maintain accurate project folders and documentation, including trial records and gate approvals
• Ensure kitchen is well-maintained and equipment is used safely and efficiently
• Conduct product tests such as heat shock, melting resistance, and scoopability, and compile results
• Optimise production processes and provide support to manufacturing teams where needed

General Responsibilities

• Promote and uphold the company’s servant leadership values
• Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation within the R&D team
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders
• Communicate clearly via email, phone, and meetings
• Share knowledge and celebrate best practices and high performance

Values & Culture

The company promotes a culture based on servant leadership. Desired traits include:

• Patience and kindness in supporting colleagues
• Humility and openness to feedback
• Honesty, trustworthiness, and forgiveness
• Dedication, teamwork, and a commitment to innovation