New Product Development Manager - London

Black Sheep Coffee; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A coffee chain in the UK seeks a New Product Development Manager to oversee food and drink offerings across multiple regions. This role involves leading product lifecycle from ideation to launch, conducting market research, and collaborating with internal teams for successful product strategies. Qualifications include a relevant bachelor's degree and at least 2 years in product development in the food and beverage sector. This opportunity affords creative freedom and advancement within a dynamic and expanding company.

Benefits

Annual Discretionary Bonus – Up to 15%

Monthly phone bill reimbursement up to £50

Free coffee and hot drinks

Employee Assistance Programme

Pension plan with 3% employer contribution

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in product development within food and beverage industry.
• Proven expertise in conducting trend and competitor analysis.
• Strong project management skills, able to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development process for food and drink products.
• Conduct market research to identify trends and consumer demands.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to refine products.

Skills

Project management

Trend analysis

Market research

Communication skills

Creativity in product development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Food Science, Marketing, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

Black Sheep Coffee is seeking a creative and driven New Product Development (NPD) Manager to lead the innovation and evolution of our food and drink offerings across the UK, US, and Middle East markets. As part of the Category & Product team, which includes Supply Chain, Data & Analytics, and Marketing, you will oversee the full product lifecycle from ideation to launch ensuring all products meet Black Sheep Coffee's high standards of quality and brand alignment. This role combines strategic planning, market research, and cross‑functional collaboration to stay ahead of industry trends. The NPD Manager will contribute valuable insights through regular Quarterly Trend Reports and Competitor Analysis Reports, shaping long‑term product strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end‑to‑end development process for food and drink products, focusing on global market requirements and customer preferences.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Supply Chain, Marketing, and Data & Analytics) and external suppliers to refine and perfect products.
• Conduct in‑depth market research to identify trends, competitive insights, and emerging consumer demands.
• Produce detailed Quarterly Trend Reports, highlighting industry innovations, customer preferences, and emerging global food and beverage trends.
• Leverage insights to guide product development strategy and maintain a competitive edge.
• Present actionable findings to senior leadership and key stakeholders, influencing product roadmaps.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive Competitor Analysis Reports, identifying key differentiators and trends in the market.
• Use insights to shape product development decisions, ensuring Black Sheep Coffee stays ahead in quality, innovation, and appeal.
• Share findings with cross‑functional teams to inform broader business strategies.
• Partner with the Brand and Compliance Department to ensure all product launches comply with allergen and safety regulations across global markets.
• Collaborate with the L&D Content Creator to produce training materials and ‘How‑To’ guides, equipping teams for successful product rollouts.
• Work with Marketing to develop localized promotional materials and campaigns tailored to global audiences.
• Create and manage a seasonal calendar for global product launches, strategically planning releases to keep offerings exciting and relevant.
• Ensure timely execution of launches that resonate with customer preferences while aligning with Black Sheep Coffee's sales objectives.
• Collaborate closely with the Category & Product team, including Supply Chain, Data & Analytics, and Marketing, to ensure seamless execution of product initiatives.
• Act as the central contact for global teams, ensuring alignment and smooth communication across regions.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Food Science, Marketing, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in product development and management, ideally within the food and beverage industry and with global or multi‑market exposure.
• Proven expertise in conducting trend and competitor analysis, translating findings into actionable product strategies.
• Solid understanding of allergen regulations, product labelling, and food safety standards across multiple markets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, numerical and analytical skills with the ability to interpret data accurately.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating with diverse teams and external suppliers.
• Passionate about food and drink trends, with the creativity to transform insights into globally relevant products.
• Detail‑oriented, innovative, and driven to maintain high standards across all regions.

Benefits

• Annual Discretionary Bonus – Up to 15% of previous years earning.
• Monthly phone bills reimbursed – up to £50 per month.
• Free coffee and hot drinks at any of our locations, plus 50% off food items.
• Access to Wagesteam, offering a variety of high‑street discounts.
• 5% interest on savings through Wagestream Build Pot.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – confidential counselling and advice.
• Wellness App through EAP.
• Pension plan through NEST – 3% employer contribution.
• Free daily breakfast, snacks and commercial coffee machine in the office.
• Monthly pub drinks, bi‑annual staff socials and a fully stocked drinks fridge.
• Rapid career progression and development opportunities.

About Us

Black Sheep Coffee, the rapidly expanding 4th largest coffee chain in the UK, was established in 2013. Our commitment to quality and innovation has positioned us as a leading player in the UK coffee scene. We value teamwork, passion for excellence, and provide a supportive platform for professional growth. Join us and be part of an ambitious journey shaping the future of the coffee industry.