We are working exclusively with an excellent food business in London to support them with the appointment of an experienced NPD Manager.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a strong NPD professional to take ownership of product development projects from concept through to launch within a dynamic and innovative environment. The role will also involve leading and developing an NPD team while working closely with commercial, operations and technical teams to deliver high-quality products to market.
Candidates with experience in food manufacturing and ideally chilled category will be particularly well suited to this role.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the development of new food products from concept through to launch
* Manage multiple NPD projects and ensure delivery against agreed timelines
* Oversee and improve internal product development processes and project management systems
* Work cross-functionally with operations, commercial, technical and supply chain teams
* Support the translation of customer briefs into commercially viable products
* Build strong working relationships with customers and internal stakeholders
* Monitor market trends, consumer insights and competitor activity
* Conduct benchmarking and identify opportunities for product innovation
* Manage, mentor and develop members of the NPD team
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a commercially minded NPD professional with strong leadership capability and a passion for product innovation.
Experience
* Proven experience in food product development within a manufacturing environment
* Strong project management experience delivering successful product launches
* Experience working with customers or retailers on product development projects
* Previous experience leading or mentoring NPD teams
Key Skills
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
* Strong organisational and project management ability
* Commercial awareness and ability to balance creativity with operational requirements
* Ability to analyse market trends and identify product opportunities
* Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
* Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment