Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
Senior NPD Technologist / NPD Manager
Chilled / Ambient Food Manufacturing – Central Belt of Scotland
Family-Owned Business | Major Retailer Supplier
Overview
An exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior NPD professional to join a successful, family-run food manufacturer with a strong reputation for innovation and quality. Supplying major UK retailers, this business continues to invest in its people, product development and long-term growth.
You will lead end-to-end NPD, managing one direct report and reporting into the Head of NPD.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead product development projects from concept through to launch
* Turn customer briefs and consumer insights into commercially viable product solutions
* Manage NPD critical paths to ensure on-time delivery within cost and quality expectations
* Oversee recipe development, factory trials, benchmarking and sensory evaluation
* Collaborate closely with Technical, Process, Operations and Commercial functions
* Support customer engagement, presentations and site visits
* Ensure all product specifications, labelling and artwork adhere to legal and customer requirements
* Drive continuous improvement and innovation within the category
* Mentor, support and develop a direct report as part of the NPD team
Skills & Experience
* Degree-qualified in Food Science or related discipline – essential
* Demonstrable experience in NPD within UK chilled or ambient food manufacturing
* Strong understanding of food safety, product formulation and commercial constraints
* Previous experience working with major UK retailers
* Excellent communication and cross-functional stakeholder management
* Confident managing multiple projects and shifting priorities
* Prior line management or leadership responsibility preferred
Working Rights
Applicants must have full and unrestricted right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Package
* Competitive salary depending on experience
* Full-time, permanent role with long-term career prospects
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Science and Product Management
Industries
* Food and Beverage Manufacturing
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