New product development manager

Job Description

Overview:

A leading food manufacturing business in Shropshire is seeking an experienced NPD Manager to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the development and delivery of innovative, high-quality food products for one of the UK’s most recognisable retail brands. The site is well-established, fast-paced, and part of a wider group with strong growth and investment plans.

The ideal candidate will have strong commercial awareness, a passion for food innovation, and a proven track record in managing retailer-focused NPD pipelines from concept through to launch.

Key Responsibilities:

* Lead the end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) process, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to customer expectations.
* Develop and maintain close working relationships with the retailer’s technical and buying teams.
* Collaborate cross-functionally with technical, production, procurement, and commercial teams.
* Translate category insights, market trends, and consumer data into commercially viable product concepts.
* Oversee and support kitchen trials, factory trials, and pre-launch evaluations.
* Ensure all product development complies with customer and legislative standards.
* Support continuous improvement and drive innovation across product ranges.