New Product Development Manager

Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in South Wales seeks a passionate NPD Manager to oversee the entire product development process. You'll lead a skilled team, work cross-functionally, and manage innovation from concept to launch. Ideal candidates should have a strong food NPD background, excellent communication, and project management skills. The salary is £45,000 with 33 days of holiday and additional benefits to be discussed.

Benefits

33 days holiday

Full benefits to be discussed

Qualifications

• Strong background in food NPD, ideally within dairy or similar chilled categories.
• Proven experience managing concept-to-launch processes.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full NPD lifecycle from concept to market launch.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for project delivery.
• Conduct market trend analysis for innovation.

Skills

Food NPD background

Passion for food and ingredients

Project management skills

Team leadership

Communication skills

Job description

NPD Manager Job Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a New Product Development (NPD) Manager to join a fast-growing and award-winning food manufacturer based in South Wales. With a strong track record of innovation and a dynamic pipeline of new product launches planned over the coming years, the business is currently investing in a brand-new, purpose-built test kitchen to support future growth.

This role is ideal for a passionate foodie who enjoys working with ingredients and wants to be hands-on in developing both branded and own-label products from concept to launch.

Reporting directly to the Head of Commercial, you'll lead the end-to-end NPD process and manage a small, skilled team including a Packaging Technologist and an NPD Process Technician. Working cross-functionally with Commercial, Technical, Operations, and Marketing teams, you'll play a pivotal role in delivering innovation that meets both customer and commercial needs.

• Lead and manage the full NPD lifecycle, from initial concept through to market launch.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and successful project delivery.
• Oversee and support the development of direct reports in packaging and process development roles.
• Partner with National Account Managers and Brand teams to translate market insights into winning products.
• Conduct market trend and competitor analysis to drive innovation and identify opportunities.
• Manage critical paths, resources, and budgets to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
• Maximise use of the new test kitchen facility for creative development, trials, and presentations.
• Support product trials, shelf-life testing, and internal/external product showcases.

NPD Manager Job Requirements

• Strong background in food NPD, ideally within dairy, spreads, or similar chilled categories.
• Passion for food, ingredients, and innovation.
• Proven experience managing the concept-to-launch process.
• Skilled in leading and developing teams.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions and levels.

NPD Manager Salary & Benefits

• 45,000 salary
• 33 days holiday
• Full benefits to be discussed

Bennett & Game Recruitment are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.

We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy, and in accordance with GDPR by applying you are granting us consent to process your data, contact you about the services we offer, and submit your CV for the role you have applied for.