NPD Manager

Zest; Bierton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK food manufacturer is seeking an NPD Manager to join their innovation team. This role involves taking ownership of developing and launching new food products, collaborating with various teams, and managing multiple projects. The ideal candidate has 1-2 years of experience in food manufacturing and a Food Science degree. Passion for food and creativity is essential. Competitive package offered.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years experience in NPD or similar position within food manufacturing.
• Confident in presenting ideas and collaborating across teams.
• Passionate about great food and excited to bring new products to life.

Responsibilities

• Own development and launching of new products from concept to launch.
• Work with teams to turn ideas into realities and track market trends.
• Lead taste panels and customer presentations.

Skills

Food manufacturing experience

Project management

Creative brainstorming

Market trend analysis

Education

Food Science degree

Job description

Overview

Are you a passionate foodie with a flair for creativity and innovation? Ready to shake things up in a fast‑paced food manufacturing environment? We're teaming up with a leading UK producer to find an ambitious and energetic NPD Manager to join their growing innovation team. If you're looking for the next step up in your career, bursting with ideas, thrive on variety, and love seeing your creations land on supermarket shelves - this could be the role for you!

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of developing and launching new and upgraded products from concept right through to launch, ensuring every project hits the mark on time, cost, and quality.
• Work closely with commercial, technical, and operations teams to turn big ideas into delicious realities, keeping a firm pulse of market trends and consumer cravings.
• Lead taste panels, creative brainstorming sessions, factory trials, and customer presentations, ensuring smooth progression from kitchen concept to full‑scale production.
• Manage multiple projects at pace, building strong relationships with major retail customers and helping shape the next wave of winning products.

Qualifications

• 1‑2 years experience in an NPD or similar position within food manufacturing.
• A Food Science degree or equivalent experience, providing the technical know‑how to back up your creativity.
• Confident presenting ideas, juggling projects, and collaborating across teams.
• Passionate about great food and love bringing exciting new products to life.

Please note: this client is unable to offer sponsorship opportunities at this time.

For more information or a confidential chat (and maybe to swap your favourite foodie ideas!), contact Danielle Bailey on (phone number removed) or email (url removed).