New Product Development Manager (FOOD)

JR United Kingdom; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food development company is seeking a dynamic New Product Development Manager to join their team in East Midlands. The role involves leading the NPD process from concept to launch, managing a small team, and collaborating with various departments to develop innovative food products. Ideal candidates will have experience in chilled food and a passion for food. This is a site-based position requiring a UK driving license.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year in an NPD Managerial role.
• Strong track record in meat and chilled food categories.
• Experience working directly with UK retailers.

Responsibilities

• Lead key NPD projects from concept to launch.
• Manage a small NPD team to deliver product excellence.
• Collaborate with internal teams to meet customer objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Experience in chilled food

Job description

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New Product Development Manager (FOOD), east midlands

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Client:

Blue Spark Organisation Ltd

Location:

east midlands, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

2

Posted:

22.08.2025

Expiry Date:

06.10.2025

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Job Description:

The Company

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded chilled food business business that has long been a leader in the food industry. We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced New Product Development Manager lead their small NPD team and help bring fresh, innovative concepts to life.

Please note that this is a site-based role and a UK driving license is essential. You will be traveling to your customers HQ’s frequently.

The Role

Reporting into the Head of Food, you'll take the lead on key NPD projects, acting as the primary contact for all new product development work within your retailer accounts. From the initial concept to final launch, you’ll be right at the heart of the process, seeing your ideas make it onto supermarket shelves for consumers to enjoy. You'll also manage a small team, ensuring they’re developed and supported in order to deliver product excellence.

Working closely with NPD Chefs, Process, Technical and Commercial teams, you'll play a key role in ensuring the products you develop meet customer, consumer, and category objectives. Your strategic vision will also help shape the medium- and long-term development plans, driving continuous improvement and category growth.

The Person

You'll be an experienced NPD professional, with a minimum of 1 year in an NPD Managerial role. You’ll need a strong track record in meat and chilled food categories, as well as extensive experience of working with the UK retailers directly.

You'll be a natural leader, with strong interpersonal and communication skills that allow you to collaborate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders. You’ll be adept at managing teams, ensuring that projects meet deadlines and are executed with precision.

If you have a real passion for food and thrive on the hustle and bustle of a busy environment with lots of customer contact, then this could be the role for you! Apply now or call 0345 2600 737 / 07700 137 110 for a confidential chat.

Ref: L6898

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Due to the large number of applications our opportunities attract, it sometimes takes us time to thoroughly review and consider them all. We endeavour to respond to every application within 5 working days, however if you have not heard from us within this timeframe, we are sorry to say your application for the role has not been successful. To support you in showcasing your best self, we make sure that any necessary accommodations, whether physical or non-physical, are provided to assist you throughout the job application and interview process.

Also, please note that we are only able to accept and respond to applications from candidates with eligibility to work in the UK and those who hold valid work visas