Own food innovation from idea to launch. Lead NPD, shape strategy and put winning products into production fast.
We are working with a well-established food business to appoint a Head of New Product Development.
This is a senior, hands-on role offering the opportunity to lead food innovation from concept through to launch within a fast-paced, customer-led environment.
The Opportunity
You will take ownership of the full new product development lifecycle, working closely with Commercial, Operations, Technical, Quality, Procurement and Supply Chain teams to deliver products that are innovative, scalable and commercially viable.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing strategic leadership with hands-on delivery and wants to have a real impact on product performance, team capability and customer relationships.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and deliver the NPD strategy and roadmap aligned to business objectives
Own end-to-end product development from ideation and business case through to launch and continuous improvement
Lead, mentor and develop the NPD team, setting standards and driving high performance
Translate culinary concepts into scalable manufacturing recipes and support factory trials and scale-ups
Maintain commercial control, balancing creativity with cost, margin and ingredient availability
Attend and support customer meetings, tastings, presentations and tenders
About You
We are interested in speaking with people who:
* Have strong experience in a hands-on food NPD role, ideally within manufacturing or customer-led food businesses
* Bring a commercial mindset with a clear understanding of cost, margin and scalability
* Enjoy leading and developing teams while remaining closely involved in hands-on product work
* Are confident working cross-functionally with Technical, Operations, Quality and Commercial teams
* Have a solid understanding of UK food safety, quality, labelling, allergen and nutritional standards.
Why This Role?
* Opportunity to own and shape the NPD function end-to-end
* High visibility and influence within the business
* Strong customer exposure and commercial involvement
* A role where innovation is practical and delivered, not theoretical
* Products you develop go into production and onto customer menus
Location: East Midlands
Salary: £75,000 to £90,000
Travel: Customer meetings, factory trials and food inspiration activity
Eligibility: Right to work in the UK required
If you have experience leading food NPD or food innovation and are looking for a site-based leadership role with real commercial impact, I would be very interested in having a confidential conversation. Many strong candidates are not actively looking, so informal discussions are always welcome.