* Exclusive Opportunity via Alexander Steele Recruitment
Alexander Steele Recruitment is partnering with an established food manufacturing business to appoint a New Product Development Manager.
This opportunity is ideal for an NPD professional who enjoys taking full ownership of projects — from concept through to scalable, commercially successful products — and who is comfortable operating as a hands‑on, standalone lead within the function.
The Opportunity
This is a standalone NPD role, offering full responsibility for product development and improvement across the business. You will lead projects end‑to‑end, with the autonomy to shape the pipeline while remaining actively involved in the detail.
This is not a purely strategic or desk‑based position — you’ll be personally hands‑on in the development kitchen and during factory trials, ensuring products translate effectively into consistent, high‑quality production.
Key Responsibilities
* Take full ownership of all NPD and product improvement activity as the site’s dedicated NPD lead
* Lead projects end‑to‑end, from concept through to launch and post‑launch review
* Develop and refine recipes in a practical, hands‑on capacity
* Plan and run factory trials, ensuring successful scale‑up into repeatable production
* Work closely with Operations, Technical, and Commercial teams to manage risk and resolve challenges
* Build and manage a clear, structured NPD pipeline with defined priorities and timelines
* Collaborate with suppliers on ingredient functionality, quality, and cost efficiency
* Monitor market trends and translate insights into commercially viable product opportunities
About You
* Experience in food manufacturing NPD, with the confidence to operate independently
* Proven track record of delivering products from concept through to factory trial and launch
* Strong hands‑on formulation and development capability
* Comfortable managing both strategic direction and day‑to‑day execution
* Commercial awareness, including ingredient functionality and cost considerations
* Highly organised and delivery‑focused, able to manage multiple priorities
* Confident communicator with a pragmatic, solutions‑driven approach
Working Pattern
Full‑time preferred; however, flexible working (three‑ or four‑day week) will be considered.
Why Apply?
This role offers genuine ownership and autonomy, with the opportunity to take full responsibility for NPD while remaining closely connected to the practical side of product development and manufacturing.
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