New Product Development Manager
Location:
Accrington, Lancashire
Type:
Permanent
Salary:
Up to £55,000 + benefits
Job Description:
Are you interested in leading exciting food innovation projects for a well-known UK food manufacturer? We are hiring an NPD Manager to oversee end-to-end product development, from concept to market launch. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for a proactive food professional to influence product strategy in a dynamic environment.
About the Company
Our client is a reputable UK food manufacturer with a strong presence in major supermarkets, known for quality and innovation in savoury chilled and frozen foods. They operate with a lean structure, promoting speed, autonomy, and collaboration.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Commercial, you will manage the entire NPD/EPD process, collaborating with Technical, Engineering, Category, and Operations teams to meet project timelines and standards.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead NPD and EPD projects from start to finish
* Manage project timelines and meetings
* Develop kitchen concepts based on trends and briefs
* Oversee costings, packaging, and validations
* Work with Technical on specifications and documentation
* Coordinate tasting sessions and benchmarking
* Support Capex projects with Engineering
* Ensure readiness for product launch
Qualifications and Skills
* Experience in food NPD, preferably in chilled/frozen sectors
* Strong project management and communication skills
* Ability to work independently
* Practical, detail-oriented, and commercially aware
* Excellent organizational skills
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office; MS Project is a plus
* Experience with both own-label and branded products is desirable
Benefits
* Autonomy in product development
* Cross-functional collaboration
* Fast-paced, agile environment
* High visibility and impact
The Advocate Group is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy. We act as an employment agency for this vacancy.
#J-18808-Ljbffr