Npd Manager

The Sterling Choice; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life assurance (4x salary)

Wellbeing support and 24/7 GP access

Professional development opportunities

25 days' holiday + bank holidays

Job summary

The Sterling Choice is recruiting an experienced NPD Manager to join a leading UK food manufacturer on a 12-month fixed-term contract/perm. The role involves owning key development projects, leading a small team and managing a major UK retailer account across two manufacturing sites with occasional customer meetings.

Ideal candidates will have 5+ years in NPD within food/FMCG, a proven track record from concept to launch, and strong commercial, communication and project management skills, with a

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in NPD within food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Proven track record of delivering products from concept through to launch.
• Experience working with major UK retailers.
• Previous team management or leadership experience.
• Strong commercial awareness, communication and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full NPD process from concept and recipe development through to factory trials and successful launch.
• Lead and develop a small NPD team.
• Manage a key retail customer account, building strong relationships and ensuring customer expectations are met.
• Work closely with Technical, Operations and Commercial teams to deliver innovative, commercially viable products.
• Oversee project timelines, product specifications and launch readiness.
• Ensure products meet retailer standards, quality requirements and manufacturing capabilities.
• Collaborate across two manufacturing sites to support successful project delivery.

Skills

NPD

Team management

UK retailer experience

Project management

Commercial awareness

Travel flexibility

Job description

We are recruiting for an experienced NPD Manager to join a leading UK food manufacturer on a 12-month fixed-term contract/perm.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of key product development projects, manage a small team and build strong relationships with major UK retail customers.

The role requires regular commuting between two manufacturing sites, alongside occasional travel to customer meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full NPD process from concept and recipe development through to factory trials and successful launch.
• Lead and develop a small NPD team.
• Manage a key retail customer account, building strong relationships and ensuring customer expectations are met.
• Work closely with Technical, Operations and Commercial teams to deliver innovative, commercially viable products.
• Oversee project timelines, product specifications and launch readiness.
• Ensure products meet retailer standards, quality requirements and manufacturing capabilities.
• Collaborate across two manufacturing sites to support successful project delivery.

About You

• Minimum 5 years' experience in NPD within food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Proven track record of delivering products from concept through to launch.
• Experience working with major UK retailers.
• Previous team management or leadership experience.
• Strong commercial awareness, communication and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel regularly between two sites.

What's on Offer?

• £60,000 salary
• 12-month fixed-term contract
• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Wellbeing support and 24/7 GP access
• Professional development opportunities