Senior Food Product Development Lead | Launch & Innovation

Finsbury Food Group; Hamilton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave

Enhanced Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Benefits Hub discounts

Refer a Friend scheme

Job summary

Lightbody’s of Hamilton is seeking a Development Manager to lead end-to-end product development from concept to launch at our Hamilton site, driving innovation and customer collaboration. You will manage the development plan, ensure products meet commercial and quality objectives, and lead a motivated team.

The role requires strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and a passion for food trends, with opportunities to shape product strategy and deliver high-impact results in a growing

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or equivalent.
• At least five years' product development experience within food manufacturing.
• Experience leading and developing a team.
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development from concept to launch.
• Create and deliver site development plan aligning with customer expectations and business strategy.
• Develop and coach the team, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Present new concepts to customers and build relationships as the site representative.
• Manage multiple projects, anticipate risks, and ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Champion product quality and drive continuous improvements and innovation.

Skills

NPD experience

Team leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Industry knowledge

Education

Food Science degree

Job description

Lightbody’s of Hamilton is seeking a Development Manager to lead end-to-end product development from concept to launch at our Hamilton site, driving innovation and customer collaboration. You will manage the development plan, ensure products meet commercial and quality objectives, and lead a motivated team.

The role requires strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and a passion for food trends, with opportunities to shape product strategy and deliver high-impact results in a growing