Product Development Manager

Greencore Group Lts; Islington; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer is seeking a Product Development Manager for their Crosby location. This role involves leading innovative product development projects from concept to launch, ensuring alignment with customer needs and quality standards. The ideal candidate has proven experience in food manufacturing and exceptional leadership skills. Competitive salary and benefits package offered, including pension contributions and employee discounts.

Benefits

Competitive salary & benefits package

Pension contribution up to 8% matched

Company share save scheme

Career development support

Employee discounts & wellbeing platform

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an NPD Manager in food manufacturing.
• A track record of delivering high-quality, innovative food products.
• Strong knowledge of food manufacturing principles and feasibility processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development projects from concept to launch.
• Project manage NPD activity to meet deadlines.
• Provide insights to align new products with customer needs.
• Champion product quality and profitability.

Skills

NPD Manager experience

Food manufacturing knowledge

Leadership skills

Stakeholder management

Project management

Job description

Location: Crosby

Why Greencore?

We’re a leading manufacturer of convenience food in the UK and our purpose is to make everyday taste better.

We’re a vibrant, fast-paced leading food manufacturer. Employing 13,300 colleagues across 16 manufacturing units and 17 distribution depots across the UK. We supply all the UK’s food retailers with everything from Sandwiches, soups and sushi to cooking sauces, pickles and ready meals, and in FY24, we generated revenues of £1.8bn.

Our vast direct-to-store (DTS) distribution network, comprising of 17 depots nationwide, enables us to make over 10,500 daily deliveries of our own chilled and frozen produce and that of third parties.

We are excited to offer an excellent opportunity for a Product Development Manager to join our Food For Now team in Crosby to cover a period of maternity leave for 18 months.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a passion for food innovation, this is your opportunity to make a real impact!

What you’ll be doing

As a Product Development Manager, you’ll lead and oversee product development projects from concept to launch, ensuring they hit the mark both commercially and creatively. You’ll be the go-to expert, working closely with customers, category teams, and operational stakeholders to bring bold new ideas to life.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading customer/category product development to drive innovation and commercial success.
• Project managing NPD activity to meet key milestones and deadlines.
• Providing insights and expertise to align new products with customer needs.
• Managing feasibility meetings and ensuring all outputs meet quality and technical standards.
• Building strong relationships with key customers, acting as their main point of contact.
• Developing and coaching a high-performing team to deliver outstanding results.
• Championing product quality and profitability, ensuring financial targets are met.

What we’re looking for

We need a hands-on, results-driven NPD leader who can hit the ground running. You’ll have:

• Proven experience as an NPD Manager in food manufacturing.
• A track record of delivering high-quality, innovative food products.
• The ability to juggle multiple projects, meeting deadlines with ease.
• Strong knowledge of food manufacturing principles and feasibility processes.
• Natural leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills.
• A customer-first mindset—someone who’s respected as a food authority.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary & benefits package
• Pension contribution up to 8% matched
• Company share save scheme
• Access to Greencore Qualifications & career development support
• Exclusive employee discounts & wellbeing platform

At Greencore, people are at the heart of everything we do. We celebrate diversity and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. If you’re ready to drive innovation and make a real impact, come and grow with us.

Apply now and be part of shaping the future of food!