NPD Project Manager (Food & Drink - SME Brand)

ZipRecruiter; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food innovation company in the UK is seeking an experienced NPD Project Manager to drive product development. You'll manage the entire NPD lifecycle and work closely with production and suppliers to launch quality products. Candidates should possess strong project management skills and a background in food science. Competitive salary, healthcare, and bonus scheme offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Healthcare

Bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in product development and project management.
• Several years of management-level experience ideally in manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of food safety legislation (e.g., HACCP).

Responsibilities

• Foster a culture of creativity and identify new product opportunities.
• Manage the full NPD lifecycle from ideation to production.
• Oversee product trials, training, and performance monitoring.

Skills

Project management

Food science knowledge

Communication skills

Creative problem-solving

Time management

Education

Degree in food science, engineering, or related field

Job description

Overview

About Us: A dynamic, growing company supplying premium, bespoke ambient products to some of the UK’s top retailers, restaurants, and hotel chains. Operating from our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Kent, we pride ourselves on delivering luxury and innovation to our prestigious clients.

The Opportunity: Due to our continued expansion, the company seeks a talented NPD Project Manager to drive our product innovation. If you have a background in food science or technology, coupled with strong project management skills, this is your chance to lead groundbreaking product development from concept to market. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our product portfolio, staying ahead of food trends, and ensuring exceptional quality, safety, and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Inspire Innovation: Foster a culture of creativity, identifying new opportunities in products, ingredients, packaging, and processes.
• Trend Forecasting: Anticipate consumer trends and market opportunities to drive future-focused product development.
• Project Leadership: Manage the full NPD lifecycle, from ideation to production, delivering projects on time, within budget, and in compliance with food safety regulations.
• Research & Development: Explore new ingredients, equipment, and processes, providing costed recommendations and investment proposals.
• Collaboration: Work closely with production, technical teams, and suppliers to ensure seamless project execution and product compliance.
• Trials & Training: Oversee product trials, training, and performance monitoring to ensure successful market launches.
• Client Engagement: Prepare compelling presentations, pricing structures, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Supplier Partnerships: Collaborate with the Supply Chain Manager and Buyer to source high-quality, compliant ingredients.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate NPD recipes, specifications, and paperwork to support product development and compliance.

Who We’re Looking For

• A food science, engineering, or related degree with proven experience in product development and project management.
• Several years of management-level experience, ideally in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of food ingredients, packaging, processes, and food safety legislation (e.g., HACCP).
• A creative, proactive problem-solver with a passion for industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Excellent communication and time management skills, with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Confidence in managing budgets, leading trials, and delivering projects with precision and attention to detail.
• Experience with packaging development and client-focused technical solutions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, adapting to change and driving results.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to lead innovation in a thriving business, working with premium products and high-profile clients. With a competitive salary, healthcare, and bonus scheme, you’ll be rewarded for your creativity and impact.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV, including salary details, in strict confidence to James Constable at [e-mail]

Note: Due to the high volume of applications, we can only respond to successful candidates within one week. If you don’t hear from us, thank you for your interest, and we wish you success in your job search.