Job Description
Product Development Manager
Midlothian
Are you a driven, creative food innovator who thrives on turning ideas into commercially successful products?
An established and growing independent UK food manufacturer is seeking a Product Development Manager to lead innovation from concept through to launch. The business supplies both branded and well-known own-label customers to the highest quality standards.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape future product ranges, influence strategy, and work with state-of-the-art production and bakery facilities in a business where innovation genuinely drives growth.
The Role
This is an end-to-end NPD leadership role requiring equal strength in creativity, technical expertise, and commercial awareness.
* Generate and develop innovative product concepts aligned with brand strategy and market opportunity
* Lead recipe development from kitchen samples through factory trials to full-scale production
* Create hands-on prototypes and small-batch samples
* Conduct detailed cost analysis to ensure commercial viability
* Plan and execute production trials with operations and technical teams
* Develop accurate, compliant product specifications and upload to third-party customer and supplier portals
* Collaborate with the Design team to create compelling packaging and manage artwork approval through to release
* Use consumer insights, trends, and data to guide decision-making
* Ensure full compliance with BRC AA standards and regulatory requirements
* Drive continuous improvement across existing product ranges
* This is a role for someone who enjoys both strategic thinking and rolling up their sleeves in the development kitchen.What We’re Looking ForYou will bring:
o Proven NPD experience within food manufacturing
o Strong technical understanding of food product development and quality standards
o Hands-on experience in recipe development, kitchen sample creation, and scaling to production
o Experience running factory trials and producing accurate specifications
o A track record of launching innovative, commercially successful products
o A proactive, self-motivated mindset with full ownership of projects
o A creative, curious, and data-driven approach
o Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills
Why Join?
o Modern BRC AA accredited site with advanced equipment
o Genuine end-to-end ownership of innovation
o Strong collaboration across commercial, technical, and design functions
o Opportunity to shape product direction in a growing UK manufacturer
o A culture that values creativity, data-driven thinking, and pushing boundaries
If you’re ready to lead innovation, challenge ideas, and develop products that consumers love, we want to hear from you.Apply now to be part of a business where innovation isn’t a department — it’s the engine of growth.