Product Development Manager - 12 month FTC (Food)

The Company

This is an exciting opportunity to join a globally recognised, innovation-led brand that puts quality, sustainability, and the consumer at the heart of everything they do.

To support a maternity cover, they are now looking for a Product Development Manager to lead their UK-based food R&D team through an exciting pipeline of projects.

This is a 12-month fixed term contract and travel to the office will be required at least 4 days a week.

The Role

Reporting to the Product & Pack Director, you will lead the UK R&D Food team (Product Development and Sensory) in the delivery of a dynamic and commercially focused product pipeline. This includes overseeing the end-to-end development and launch of new products across multiple markets and supporting continuous improvement and value optimisation initiatives.

You’ll be responsible for ensuring that all product solutions are consumer-led, technically robust, and commercially viable. From initial concept through to validation, factory trials, and launch, you’ll drive technical excellence while balancing timelines, budget and risk.

With the support of your dynamic team, you will also play a vital role in stakeholder engagement, collaborating with cross-functional teams in the UK and internationally across Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Quality, as well as managing external partnerships with suppliers and research bodies.

The Person

We’re looking for a proactive and experienced NPD Manager with a proven track record of delivering complex technical projects in the food or beverage industry, ideally with experience in powder technology.

You will be an effective people leader with experience coaching and developing teams, alongside excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Strong technical governance and the ability to work cross-functionally in a matrix environment are essential.

This is a role for someone who can balance technical depth with commercial pragmatism, a true collaborator who thrives in a fast-paced, innovation-focused environment.

If you’re ready to lead the development of world-class products for a global brand, then we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch on 0345 2600 737 or 07700 137 110 for a confidential chat!

Ref: L6918

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Due to the large number of applications our opportunities attract, it sometimes takes us time to thoroughly review and consider them all. We endeavour to respond to every application within 5 working days, however if you have not heard from us within this timeframe, we are sorry to say your application for the role has not been successful. To support you in showcasing your best self, we make sure that any necessary accommodations, whether physical or non-physical, are provided to assist you throughout the job application and interview process.

Also, please note that we are only able to accept and respond to applications from candidates with eligibility to work in the UK and those who hold valid work visas.