Process & NPD Project Lead

ZipRecruiter; England; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in the UK is looking for a Process & NPD Project Lead to join their dynamic team. The successful candidate will bridge product development and production, ensuring smooth scale-up from concept to launch. Applicants should have a degree in Food Science or Chemical Engineering, with hands-on experience in food manufacturing processes. This role offers an attractive salary and excellent career development opportunities.

Benefits

Salary circa £50,000

32 days holiday

Company pension

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in food manufacturing, especially in extrusion, frying, baking, or flavour application is highly desirable.
• A natural team player who can influence and collaborate across departments.
• Inquisitive, creative, and passionate about food and new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Acting as the bridge between product development and production.
• Planning and running factory trials across NPD and EPD programmes.
• Leading and supporting process improvements and efficiency projects.

Skills

Food manufacturing processes

HACCP knowledge

Strong communication skills

Project management

Creative problem-solving

Education

Degree in Food Science or Chemical Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Are you a passionate foodie with a sharp eye for detail and a love for innovation in food production?

We have partnered with a leading, multi-site food manufacturer that is looking to appoint a driven Process & NPD Project Lead to join their dynamic NPD team and play a pivotal role in turning exciting product concepts into reality.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, enjoys problem-solving, and wants to make a tangible impact on the way food is made.

On offer:

• Salary is circa £50,000
• 32 days holiday
• Company pension
• Exciting career development opportunities

What you’ll be doing:

• Acting as the bridge between product development and production, ensuring smooth scale-up of new products from concept to launch.
• Planning and running factory trials across both NPD and EPD programmes.
• Leading and supporting process improvements, efficiency projects, and value engineering opportunities.
• Taking ownership of projects from initial brief through to delivery, ensuring deadlines and critical paths are met.
• Working closely with Operations, Engineering, and Technical teams to ensure new products and processes meet high food safety and quality standards.
• Exploring and trialling innovative manufacturing technologies to support the company’s innovation strategy.
• Managing post-launch reviews and ensuring consistent product quality.

What we’re looking for:

• A degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related subject (or equivalent experience).
• Hands-on experience in food manufacturing - Highly desirable if you have covered processes such as extrusion, frying, baking, or flavour application.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP
• A natural team player who can influence and collaborate across departments.
• Someone inquisitive, creative, and passionate about food and new technologies.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects.

If this sounds like you and you are on the market for a new role, please apply here!

For more information, reach out to Tracey Fleming on 0131 573 0889 or email [e-mail]