NPD Manager

D R Newitt Recruitment; Scotland; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established food manufacturer in Scotland is seeking a New Product Development Manager. This is a hands-on role centered around leading new product development and improvements from concept to launch. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food NPD, good recipe development skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently. Strong communication and commercial awareness are essential. The working pattern is flexible, with options for either full-time or a part-time schedule.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in food manufacturing NPD, particularly in chilled or ambient categories.
• Track record of managing full product lifecycle from concept to launch.
• Strong hands-on skills in recipe development and testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPD and improve projects from idea to launch.
• Develop recipes, refine formulations, and conduct factory trials.
• Work with cross-functional teams to manage risks and solve problems.
• Collaborate with Operations, Technical, and Commercial teams to manage risk and priorities.

Skills

Recipe development skills

Project management

Understanding of food trends

Commercial awareness

Job description

We’re working with a well-established, privately-owned food manufacturer to appoint a New Product Development Manager who thrives on turning ideas into products that work not just in theory, but at factory scale.

This is a hands-on role for someone who has grown their career through food NPD and enjoys being close to the product, the process, and the people who make it happen.

The Opportunity

You’ll take full ownership of the NPD and renovation agenda, shaping products from early concept through to successful launch. Working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, you’ll balance creativity with discipline, ensuring innovation lands on time, to spec, and fit for production.

The business operates at pace and values clear thinking, strong execution, and practical decision-making. If you enjoy seeing your work on shelf and running reliably on line, this role will suit you.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll lead new product development and product improvement projects from idea to launch, with real ownership of outcomes. You’ll be hands-on in the development kitchen, developing recipes, testing concepts, and refining formulations. You’ll take the lead on factory trials, translating bench-top success into scalable, repeatable production.

You’ll work closely with Operations, Technical, and Commercial teams to solve problems, manage risk, and remove blockers. You’ll run a clear, structured NPD pipeline with defined priorities, timelines, and accountability. You’ll collaborate with suppliers on ingredients, functionality, and cost optimisation.

You’ll also maintain up-to-date knowledge of food trends, consumer behaviour, and competitor activity, translating these insights into commercially viable product opportunities that fit both the market and the factory.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll have proven experience in food manufacturing NPD, ideally within chilled or ambient categories. You’ll have a track record of taking products end to end, including factory trials and launch. Strong practical recipe development skills and confidence working hands-on are essential.

You’ll be commercially aware, understanding cost drivers, ingredient performance, and customer expectations. You’ll be organised, action-oriented, and comfortable running multiple projects at pace. Clear communication, sound judgement, and a focus on standards and delivery matter in this environment.

Working Pattern

Full-time is preferred, with openness to a three or four day working week for the right candidate.

This role suits someone who wants real ownership, visibility, and influence rather than a desk-bound NPD title.