NPD Project Manager
Location: Bunwell, Norfolk
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
We are supporting a well-established food manufacturing business in Bunwell in recruiting an NPD Project Manager to lead product development from concept through to launch. This role combines creativity and commercial thinking, owning projects across branded, own-label and co-manufacturing customers.
You will manage new product development projects end-to-end, ensuring products are delivered on time, within agreed cost parameters, and successfully transitioned into production. You will work cross-functionally with Commercial, Technical, Operations and Procurement teams, as well as line manage the product development team.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the full NPD process using a stage-gate framework, managing projects from customer brief to factory launch.
* Create and maintain critical paths, timelines and risk action plans to ensure successful delivery.
* Coordinate production transfer including trial planning, change control management and launch sign-off.
* Accurately cost new products, submit costing proposals to customers and ensure cost targets are met.
* Prepare and deliver development presentations and sample submissions for customers.
* Manage new raw materials including specifications, approvals and documentation.
* Support ingredient and recipe rationalisation initiatives to reduce complexity.
* Manage factory documentation, line forms and specification data.
* Support packaging design and artwork sign-off for printed packaging and labelling.
* Act as custodian of nutritional data and maintain accuracy across systems.
* Attend production trials and launches, capturing learnings and driving improvement actions.
* Line manage the product development team and external resource where required.
* Support Technical teams during BRC audits and HACCP processes.
* Assist with QMS, QAS and specification updates.
* Provide technical responses to customer requests and coordinate product sampling.
* Support taste panels and internal quality evaluation sessions.
Experience & Skills Required
* Experience in NPD project management within the food manufacturing industry (frozen bakery or similar desirable).
* Strong understanding of factory processes, food safety and technical compliance.
* Excellent project planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple timelines.
* Commercially aware with costing experience and understanding of margins.
* Confident communicator able to present to customers and internal stakeholders.
* Proactive, solutions-focused and resilient under pressure.
* Experience working within stage gate development processes.
* Line management experience is desirable.
Benefit
* Competitive salary package
* Opportunities for career progression
* Employee benefits and wellbeing support
* Free onsite parking
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please submit your CV today