NPD Manager

GetRecruited UK Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food brand in Cheshire is looking for a Technical & NPD Manager to oversee new product development and technical support. The ideal candidate will have experience in dairy or FMCG, strong project management skills, and a solid understanding of food safety and legislation. This hybrid role offers up to £50,000 basic salary plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Technical Manager, NPD Manager, or similar role within dairy or FMCG.
• Strong understanding of food safety, quality systems, and legislation.
• Proven experience managing product development from concept to launch.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end NPD process ensuring compliance.
• Resolve technical issues, handle complaints and errors.
• Research market trends for product innovation.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Project management

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Innovation

Job description

TECHNICAL & NPD MANAGER

Cheshire - Hybrid

Up to £50,000 Basic (Potentially Negotiable to £60k) + Benefits

THE COMPANY

We\'re delighted to be exclusively supporting a leading food brand based in Cheshire, known for producing high-quality products for both retail customers. As part of their continued growth and investment in innovation, they\'re now seeking a Technical & NPD Manager to take ownership of both new product development and technical support across their range. This is a key hire for a forward-thinking business that prides itself on product quality, sustainable sourcing, and continuous improvement.

THE TECHNICAL & NPD MANAGER ROLE

• Managing the end-to-end NPD process, from concept through to launch, ensuring all products meet quality and legal standards.
• Taking ownership of technical issue resolution, handling product complaints, factory errors, and corrective actions.
• Supporting continuous improvement projects, reviewing and refining existing recipes and formulations.
• Proactively researching new market trends and identifying opportunities for innovation within the dairy sector.
• Liaising with procurement and production teams to develop product specifications and source new ingredients.
• Maintaining and updating technical documentation, artwork checks, and product labelling to ensure compliance.
• Conducting factory trials and overseeing scale-up activities for new or reformulated products.
• Providing technical support to internal teams and key retail customers.
• Attending trade shows and supplier visits in the UK and occasionally overseas.

THE PERSON

• Must have experience in a Technical Manager, NPD Manager, or combined Technical & Development role within dairy, chilled foods, or wider FMCG food manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of food safety, quality systems, and legislation.
• Proven experience taking products from concept to launch in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Comfortable managing factory issues, complaints, and corrective actions.
• Excellent communicator with strong project management and problem-solving skills.
• Able to balance creative product development with robust technical compliance.
• Flexible to travel occasionally for trade shows, supplier meetings, or customer visits.

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