NPD Manager

MorePeople; Dartford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing business in food innovation is seeking an NPD Manager to lead product innovation across fresh produce and fruit categories. The role involves developing product concepts, managing timelines and stakeholder engagement, and ensuring alignment with brand values. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in food product development and be able to communicate effectively across departments. A hybrid working model is offered.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working after training

Discretionary annual bonus

Health support through Medicash

Instant access to earned pay via Wagestream

Free on-site parking with EV charge points

Subsidised staff canteen

Comprehensive training and development programmes

Regular staff social events

Qualifications

• Strong track record in food product development.
• Ability to manage multiple projects.
• Good understanding of retailer expectations and food manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop commercially focused new product concepts.
• Identify opportunities through market insights and trends.
• Drive product improvement to enhance quality and margins.
• Lead project timelines, approvals, and stakeholder engagement.
• Coordinate trials and ensure production readiness.
• Monitor market competitors and benchmark products.
• Support wider strategic innovation plans.
• Host creative sessions for innovation.

Skills

Food product development

Commercial acumen

Project management

Creative thinking

Job description

Overview

Why Work With Us

Our client is a fast-growing business at the forefront of fresh produce and fruit innovation. They are seeking someone who shares the same ambition, energy and creativity.

Benefits

• Flexible hybrid working after training
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Health support through Medicash for you and your family
• Instant access to earned pay via Wagestream
• Free on-site parking with EV charge points
• Subsidised staff canteen
• Bright, modern office space
• Comprehensive training and development programmes
• Regular staff social events

The Opportunity

This is a key role within our Category, Product Development & Marketing team. As NPD Manager, you'll lead product innovation across our range of products, working closely with retailers and internal teams. From concept to launch, you'll ensure every fresh produce and fruit product is creative, commercially viable, and aligned with their brand values.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Developing commercially focused new product concepts
• Using market insights and trends to identify opportunities
• Driving product improvement to enhance quality and margins
• Leading project timelines, approvals, and stakeholder engagement
• Coordinating trials and working with technical teams to ensure production readiness
• Monitoring market competitors and benchmarking products
• Supporting wider strategic innovation plans for the business
• Hosting creative sessions and contributing to our annual innovation calendar

About You

We're looking for someone with a strong track record in food product development, ideally within fruit or fresh produce categories. You'll need to be both commercially savvy and creatively driven, with the ability to manage multiple projects and communicate effectively across different departments. A good understanding of retailer expectations and food manufacturing processes will be a real asset.

Want to know more? Apply now!

For an informal chat about the role in more detail give me a call on (phone number removed) or email me - (url removed)

INDTECH