Tayto Group is home to some of the UK’s best‑loved snack brands and a the leading supplier of own‑label products to all of the UK’s leading retailers. With five manufacturing sites, an extensive range of technologies, and over 750 SKUs, we deliver more than 200 product launches every year. It’s fast, it’s complex, and it’s an incredible place for an ambitious NPD leader to make their mark.
We are now seeking an exceptional Head of NPD to lead our product agenda across the Group and drive innovation, quality, and commercial success.
⭐ The Opportunity
12 - 18 month FTC.
Based at our flagship Corby site, you will lead and develop our 8‑strong NPD team, managing all NPD activity across the Group’s five sites. You’ll shape the innovation strategy, own the product change process, and work closely with brand and own‑label customers to deliver outstanding products at pace.
From concept to launch, you’ll ensure product changes are delivered, accurately, efficiently and to time and cost through building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customer development teams.
🔑 What You’ll Lead
Product & Innovation Leadership
* Set and drive the product agenda across all snack technologies and customer channels.
* Own the Product Change Process, ensuring launches are on time, to cost and specification.
* Lead multi‑customer and multi‑site development projects, including new products, upgrades, value engineering and continuous improvement.
Customer & Supplier Engagement
* Build strong relationships with brand and retailer customers, including senior development and technical teams.
* Manage key supplier partnerships (e.g. seasonings, pellets, raw materials) to unlock innovation, quality and cost improvements.
Team Leadership
* Lead, coach and develop the NPD team, ensuring the team is equipped to deliver at pace.
* Allocate NPD resource effectively across customers and projects.
Cross‑Functional Influence
* Work closely with Technical, Operations, Commercial and Marketing to deliver sales and strategic priorities.
* Ensure the business maintains up‑to‑date technical knowledge to meet current and future needs.
🎯 What Success Looks Like
* A robust innovation pipeline for branded and own‑label customers.
* Efficient Product Change Process that supports rapid, accurate launches.
* Strong customer relationships and repeatable delivery of major projects to plan.
* A high‑performing, motivated NPD team.
📌 What You’ll Bring
* Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering or equivalent experience.
* 10+ years’ experience in food product development, ideally in snacks.
* Proven leadership of NPD Managers / Development Technologists.
* Strong experience working with both brand and own label customers.
* Ability to manage complex, multi‑site, multi‑customer project portfolios.
* Gravitas and credibility to influence senior stakeholders internally and externally.
* High attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
🚀 Why Join Tayto Group?
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK’s largest snack manufacturers. You’ll lead innovation across multiple technologies, work with major UK retailers and brands, and influence the strategic direction of a fast‑growing, dynamic business.
If you’re driven, commercially astute, and excited by the challenge of delivering high‑volume innovation at pace, we’d love to hear from you.