New Product Development Manager

JR United Kingdom; Wales; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in food manufacturing is seeking an NPD Food Manufacturing Lead to oversee the development process from concept to production. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in launching products, leading teams, and managing compliance in a high-pressure environment. This role offers autonomy and the chance to make a significant impact within the organization.

Qualifications

• Track record of launching new products.
• Experience leading teams effectively.
• Strong understanding of compliance and systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop NPD team.
• Manage factory trials and production processes.
• Ensure timelines and stakeholder expectations are met.

Skills

Leadership

Product Development

Compliance Management

Problem Solving

Job description

Job Title: NPD Food Manufacturing Lead

Client:

The Sterling Choice

Location:

Not specified

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Views:

1

Posted:

23.05.2025

Expiry Date:

07.07.2025

Job Description:

Food manufacturing

If you’ve led NPD teams, taken ideas from “what if” to “on shelf,” and know what it’s like to wrestle with factory trials that don’t go to plan — this job’s for you.

You’ll run the full end-to-end development process. No hand-holding. No fluff. Just the autonomy to lead, the team to support you, and the expectation that things actually get launched — properly and on time.

What you’ll be doing (a.k.a. the stuff that actually matters):

• Leading and developing a capable NPD team (they’re solid — they just need direction).
• Turning concepts into live products, from paper to production.
• Working cross-functionally with people who care more about results than job titles.
• Managing factory trials, process tweaks, and first productions — and staying calm when the wheels wobble.
• Keeping the paperwork, timelines, and stakeholders in line without losing your mind.
• Being the go-to person when something isn’t working — and fixing it without drama.

What you’ll need:

• A track record of getting new products launched. Not just theorising — doing.
• Experience leading people, not micromanaging them.
• A solid grip on compliance, systems, and how to keep auditors out of your hair.
• Enough resilience to handle pressure without turning into a motivational quote.

You’ll be left to get on with it. No one’s going to breathe down your neck, but the expectations are high — because the team, the business, and the customers deserve it.

Sound like your kind of challenge?

Reply to this. Or send your CV. Or both. Your call.