Npd Manager

Gregory Walker Associates; Ellesmere; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing business in the UK is seeking a proactive NPD Manager to lead the development of innovative food products. The ideal candidate will have experience in food manufacturing, strong project management skills, and an understanding of retailer expectations. This role offers a great opportunity to influence product innovation and deliver high-quality food solutions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in NPD or Product Development within food manufacturing.
• Understanding of UK retailer expectations and managing major supermarket accounts is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the NPD process ensuring timely delivery.
• Develop relationships with technical and buying teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Translate market trends into product concepts.
• Oversee kitchen and factory trials.

Skills

Strong commercial awareness

Food innovation

Project management skills

Confident communication

Education

Degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

Overview

A leading food manufacturing business in Shropshire is seeking an experienced NPD Manager to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the development and delivery of innovative, high-quality food products for one of the UK's most recognisable retail brands. The site is well-established, fast-paced, and part of a wider group with strong growth and investment plans. The ideal candidate will have strong commercial awareness, a passion for food innovation, and a proven track record in managing retailer-focused NPD pipelines from concept through to launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) process, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to customer expectations.
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with the retailer's technical and buying teams.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with technical, production, procurement, and commercial teams.
• Translate category insights, market trends, and consumer data into commercially viable product concepts.
• Oversee and support kitchen trials, factory trials, and pre-launch evaluations.
• Ensure all product development complies with customer and legislative standards.
• Support continuous improvement and drive innovation across product ranges.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience in a similar NPD or Product Development role within chilled or meat food manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of UK retailer expectations, ideally with experience managing one of the major supermarket accounts.
• Excellent project management skills with a hands-on and collaborative approach.
• Confident communicator able to influence at all levels.
• Passionate about food quality, innovation, and delivering customer satisfaction.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Food Science, Food Technology or related field is desirable.

Next Steps

If you\'re a proactive NPD professional with a strong background in food manufacturing and retailer-facing innovation, we\'d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV or message me on the link below.