NPD Manager

Focus Management Consultants Ltd; North Hertfordshire; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global food business in Hertfordshire seeks an NPD Manager to lead innovative product development from concept to launch. This exciting role requires NPD experience, commercial awareness, and a food qualification. Join a collaborative culture that values your ideas, and help shape the future of food innovation in a fast-paced environment. Opportunities for growth in the UK and globally await you.

Benefits

Collaborative culture with idea support

Opportunities for global growth

Qualifications

• Proven experience in NPD roles such as NPD Technologist or Assistant NPD Manager.
• Confident working with suppliers, retailers, and teams.
• Curiosity and passion for keeping ahead of food trends.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development projects.
• Act as key contact for customers.
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver on promises.
• Prepare customer presentations with creativity and insight.

Skills

NPD experience in food manufacturing or supply

Strong commercial awareness

Excellent communication skills

Detail-oriented

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Education

Food degree

Job description

NPD Manager – Own the Development Journey from Concept to Launch

Competitive + Excellent Benefits Package – Hertfordshire

Are you someone who doesn’t just love food – but lives and breathes it? Do you track the latest food trends before they hit the shelves, and find yourself wondering how you’d do it better? If so, you might have just found your perfect next step. This is a tasty opportunity to join a global food business as they continue to invest in innovation and growth. They’re looking for a driven, energetic, and commercially astute NPD Manager to join a high-performing team that delivers real innovation – not just product tweaks, but true concept-to-launch development.

So, what’s the role?

You’ll report directly to the Head of Development and will be trusted to take the reins on end-to-end product development projects.

• Leading the NPD critical path – from kitchen bench to customer launch.
• Acting as a key customer-facing contact – building trust, handling detail and delivering on deadlines.
• Collaborating with internal teams across Commercial, Technical, and Supply Chain to make sure what’s promised gets delivered.
• Preparing for customer presentations – using insight and creativity to pitch winning concepts.
• Ensuring all documentation, systems and BRC processes are followed to the letter (not just ticking boxes – but getting it right).
• Bringing competitor awareness and food trend insight to the table – keeping innovation fresh and commercially relevant.

What makes you the right fit?

• You’ve got NPD experience in a food manufacturing or supply role – maybe as an NPD Technologist, NPD Executive, or Assistant NPD Manager.
• You’re food degree qualified and confident working with suppliers, retailers, and internal teams.
• Detail matters to you – you’re organised, solutions-focused, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong commercial awareness – you understand the balance between creativity and margin.
• Communication is your superpower – both with customers and colleagues.
• You’re curious, passionate about food, and love keeping ahead of trends.
• You’ve got a driving licence and are happy to travel (UK and occasionally global).

What’s in it for you?

• A collaborative culture where your ideas are heard, and your development is supported.
• Opportunities to grow – in the UK and globally.

Why now?

This is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to make your mark in a fast-moving business that values entrepreneurial thinking and innovation. You’ll be joining a team that delivers, in a company that’s investing in people, products, and the future.

Ready to bring your passion for food to a global stage?

Click apply to submit your CV or get in touch with Rachel for further details.

REF RLS59727