NPD Manager

Allexo search; England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an innovative NPD Manager to drive product development and innovation within a thriving food business. This role offers the chance to lead cross-functional teams and shape the future of product pipelines. You'll be at the forefront of creativity, working closely with major UK retailers to develop consumer-driven products. With hybrid working options and a focus on personal development, this position provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment. If you are passionate about food innovation and ready to take on a key role, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Hybrid working with flexibility

Access to internal L&D programmes

Health and wellbeing support

Subsidised meals

Fruit pots

Modern facilities

Qualifications

• Proven track record in product development within FMCG or fresh/chilled food.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to translate insights into product opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of NPD and EPD pipelines across customer portfolios.
• Drive internal benchmarking initiatives to monitor product and market performance.

Skills

Product Development

Commercial Acumen

Creative Thinking

Stakeholder Management

Organisational Skills

Communication Skills

Job description

We’ve partnered with a well-established food business on a key hire to support their continued growth. They’re looking for an NPD Managerto take the reins on driving innovation across short- and long-term product pipelines, with a focus on added value, blue sky thinking, and category-led development.

Reporting into the Senior Manager for Insights, NPD & Marketing, this role sits at the heart of a collaborative commercial function, working cross-functionally with category, procurement, technical, and commercial teams. You’ll be responsible for owning customer relationships, spearheading innovation strategy, and delivering commercially viable NPD/EPD solutions that align with retailer needs and business ambitions.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of NPD, EPD, and innovation pipelines across customer portfolios
• Partner with the Category team to identify white space opportunities, build strategic plans, and bring consumer-driven products to life
• Own the gate process from concept to launch, managing timelines, stakeholder alignment, and cross-functional sign-off
• Drive internal benchmarking initiatives to monitor product and market performance
• Support commercial decision-making through robust margin analysis and cost-effective innovation
• Run Product Innovation Days, contributing to a culture of creativity, pace, and best-in-class standards

Ideal profile:

• Proven track record in product development within FMCG or fresh/chilled food
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to translate insights into product opportunities
• Creative thinker with strategic execution skills
• Experience working with major UK retailers and understanding of their development processes
• Comfortable managing multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
• Strong organisational and communication skills

What’s on offer:

• Hybrid working with flexibility post-onboarding
• Access to internal L&D programmes
• Health and wellbeing support including Medicash & Wagestream
• Onsite perks including subsidised meals, fruit pots, and modern facilities
• A business passionate about development and innovation

This is a brilliant opportunity to shape the innovation agenda at a high-growth, quality-led food business. If you’re ready to make your mark in a fast-paced, creative environment—get in touch.