Job Advert
Senior Process Development Manager
Middlesbrough
£55,000 – £60,000 DOE + Car Allowance + Bonus
About The Compleat Food Group
At The Compleat Food Group, we’re driven by a passion for creating high-quality, innovative food that people love. With an ambitious growth strategy and a strong portfolio of brands and customers, we’re continually investing in our people, products, and processes.
About the Role
Reporting to the Product, Process & Quality Divisional Director, you will lead the delivery of the NPD (New Product Development), EPD (Existing Product Development), and Continuous Improvement agenda across the division.
You’ll be responsible for ensuring the successful scale-up and launch of products in line with business strategy, customer expectations, and The Compleat Food Group’s Product Launch Process. This is a senior, high-impact role with visibility across the business and significant influence on product innovation and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Delivery
o Lead and develop the Process Development team across the division
o Deliver NPD and EPD projects from kitchen handover through to successful launch
o Manage timelines, costs, and resources to meet business and customer expectations
o Collaborate cross-functionally with Technical, Production, Engineering, and Planning teams
2. Product & Process Development
o Lead product scale-up from kitchen to factory, ensuring quality, safety, and margin delivery
o Oversee factory trials, ensuring clear objectives, robust data capture, and effective outcomes
o Support feasibility, costing, and innovation pipeline development across sites
3. Drive continuous improvement and process innovation initiatives
4. Governance & Compliance
o Ensure all development activities meet food safety, HACCP, and technical standards
o Maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation across all development stages
o Support specifications, artwork sign-off, and customer presentations
5. Launch & Post-Launch
o Lead product launches, ensuring operational readiness across all departments
o Oversee pre-production trials and validations
o Conduct post-launch reviews and implement continuous improvements
6. People Management
o Lead, coach, and develop direct reports
o Conduct regular 1:1s and performance reviews
o Promote a strong Food Safety & Quality culture
7. Additional Responsibilities
o Manage divisional budgets and trial tracking
o Support cross-site projects and site visits as required
o Promote Health & Safety best practices across all activities
About You
You’re a passionate and experienced food professional with a strong background in FMCG manufacturing and a track record of leading high-performing teams.
Experience & Qualifications
* Degree or HND in a food or manufacturing-related discipline (desirable)
* Significant senior-level experience within food manufacturing (FMCG)
* Proven experience managing development teams
* Strong knowledge of HACCP and food safety standards
Key Skills
* Strong project and stakeholder management
* Excellent communication across all levels
* Data analysis and problem-solving capability
* Trial management and process optimisation
* Commercial awareness and cost control
Personal Attributes
* Passion for food and product quality
* Proactive and solutions-focused
* Flexible and adaptable
* Strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills
Benefits
At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing, and career growth.
* Competitive Car Allowance
* Company Bonus Scheme recognising performance and contribution
* Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
* 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra
* Holiday Discounts via our online retail platform
* Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store
* Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand
* EV charging points – available at selected sites
* Private Medical Insurance (work level dependent)
* Group Life Assurance (work level dependent)
* 24/7 access to GroceryAid for free financial, emotional, and practical support
* Physical Wellbeing Hub – free on-demand exercise classes, gym discounts
* Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes
* Online wellbeing support – from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
* Financial wellbeing tools – including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid
* Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS)
* Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role
* Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations
* Company Mentoring Scheme to add depth and really support your career journey
* Recognition through Club Compleat rewards
* Community & Culture: 2 paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes that matter to you
* Charity initiatives and fundraising events
* Team socials to connect and celebrate together
* Employee networks & support groups – including Women @ Compleat
* New baby gift for new parents
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