Product Development Manager

Focus Management Consultants Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food innovation firm is seeking a Product Development Manager in West Sussex to lead new product development efforts. This role involves managing innovative projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring product quality throughout its lifecycle. The ideal candidate will have proven product development experience in the food sector and a passion for innovation. The position offers a competitive salary up to £55,000, car allowance, a bonus scheme, and various flexible benefits.

Benefits

Car allowance

Bonus scheme

Employer-matched pension

Health cash plan

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience in product development within the food manufacturing sector.
• Strong understanding of the NPD process from concept to launch.
• Ability to influence and present recommendations to senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the NPD and EPD pipelines for key customers.
• Translate customer briefs into viable concepts.
• Oversee the product lifecycle from idea to launch.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure adherence to quality standards.

Skills

Product development experience

NPD process understanding

Communication skills

Food innovation passion

Job description

Overview

Product Development Manager
£50000 - £55000 + Car Allowance and Bonus
West Sussex

If you're a passionate innovator with a talent for bringing fresh food ideas to life, this could be the role for you. You'll be at the forefront of creating innovative, high-quality products that delight customers and consumers alike.

Responsibilities

• Lead the NPD and EPD pipelines for key customers, ensuring all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to brief.
• Translate customer briefs and category opportunities into innovative, commercially viable concepts.
• Oversee the full product lifecycle—from idea generation and recipe development through to factory trials, sign-off, and product launch.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure feasibility, scalability, and adherence to quality standards.
• Use market data, trend insights, and consumer feedback to identify and develop new product opportunities that meet customer expectations.
• Provide support for customer presentations and range reviews with insight-driven recommendations.
• Ensure that all products meet food safety, quality, and shelf-life standards, in collaboration with technical teams.
• Manage costing and sustainability considerations to deliver profitable and environmentally conscious solutions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in product development within the food manufacturing sector.
• Strong understanding of the NPD process from concept to launch, with experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• A natural communicator with the ability to influence, build relationships, and present compelling recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• A passion for food innovation, with a focus on quality.

What you’ll get

• Base salary up to £55,000, depending on experience, plus car allowance.
• Bonus scheme, employer-matched pension and a health cash plan.
• Access to a range of flexible benefits.
• The chance to grow within a rapidly expanding business with clear opportunities for career progression.

How to apply

Apply now or get in touch with Rachel for more information.