Role: NPD Manager

Salary: £45,000–£55,000 DOE
Benefits: 25 days holiday + bank holidays
Working Pattern: Full-time, 5 days onsite (flexibility required for factory trials & customer presentations)

We are recruiting on behalf of a confidential food manufacturing client for an experienced NPD Manager to lead and drive their New Product Development function.

This is a senior, hands-on role suited to a commercially aware NPD professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys working closely with customers.

The Role

Reporting into senior leadership, you will take ownership of the NPD function, managing projects end-to-end from concept through to successful launch.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the NPD process from initial brief to launch, ensuring timelines, quality, and commercial targets are met
• Managing and overseeing factory trials with a strong focus on technical accuracy and feasibility
• Acting as the key NPD contact for customers, presenting concepts, managing feedback, and building strong relationships
• Working cross-functionally with Technical, Commercial, Operations, and Supply Chain teams
• Driving innovation through category insight, trend analysis, and continuous improvement
• Ensuring all specifications, documentation, and processes meet customer and regulatory requirements
• Mentoring and supporting junior members of the NPD team

About You

You’ll be a confident and credible NPD professional with the ability to balance creativity with operational and commercial reality.

Ideal background:

• Placement year plus 4–5 years’ experience within the food industry
• Proven NPD experience within food manufacturing (meat experience highly desirable)
• Strong customer-facing experience with the ability to present and influence
• Demonstrated experience leading projects and supporting junior team members

You’ll also bring:

• A degree in Food Science or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple developments
• A commercial mindset with strong attention to detail
• Clear, confident communication skills
• A full UK driving licence

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing, innovative food manufacturer where NPD plays a critical role in customer partnerships and business success. You’ll have real influence, autonomy, and visibility, working on exciting, customer-led product development.