New Job Opening: NPD Manager in Newtownards, UK

Job Description

NPD Manager

Description

We are hiring on behalf of our client, a well-established and growing food manufacturing business, to recruit an experienced NPD Manager.

This is an excellent opportunity for a creative and commercially minded product development professional to take ownership of the full innovation pipeline, from initial concept and kitchen development through to factory trials, customer approval and successful launch.

The successful NPD Manager will work closely with Technical, Operations, Commercial and Finance teams to develop innovative products that respond to consumer trends while remaining practical, scalable and commercially viable.

Top 3 Things to Know About this Job

1. Salary up to £50,000 (DOE)


2. Full ownership of the end-to-end NPD process


3. Opportunity to shape an ambitious innovation pipeline within a growing food business

The Role

• Lead the complete NPD process from concept generation and feasibility through to trials, sign-off and product launch.


• Build and manage a structured innovation pipeline aligned with customer requirements, consumer trends and business strategy.


• Translate trends such as health, convenience, provenance and sustainability into commercially viable new products.


• Develop new concepts while also reviewing and improving existing product ranges.


• Lead kitchen development, product sampling, factory trials and scale-up activity.


• Work closely with Technical and Operations teams to ensure products can be manufactured safely, consistently and efficiently.


• Partner with Commercial, Finance and Operations teams on product costings, margins and launch viability.


• Build strong relationships with retail and foodservice customers, supporting both branded and own-label development opportunities.


• Present product concepts, samples and launch plans to customers and senior stakeholders.


• Monitor ingredient, packaging and format innovation across the wider food industry.


• Carry out competitor reviews and market analysis to identify future development opportunities.


• Ensure all new products meet legal, allergen, labelling, nutritional and customer compliance requirements.


• Maintain accurate NPD documentation, timelines and project updates throughout the development process.


• Support continuous improvement across product development systems, trial processes and launch performance.

The Person

• Proven experience in an NPD Manager, Product Development Manager or senior NPD role within food manufacturing.


• Experience within fresh, chilled, prepared foods or produce manufacturing would be highly advantageous.


• Strong track record of taking products from initial concept through to successful commercial launch.


• Genuine passion for food, innovation, health, provenance and emerging consumer trends.


• Hands-on experience delivering kitchen development, product trials and factory-scale production runs.


• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance creativity, cost, margin and operational capability.


• Excellent project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple launches and deadlines.


• Confident presenting ideas and product concepts to customers and senior leadership teams.


• Strong understanding of allergens, labelling, specifications and food manufacturing compliance.


• Collaborative and practical approach, with a willingness to work across the test kitchen, factory floor and office environment.


• Degree or equivalent qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Innovation or a related discipline would be advantageous.

The Rewards

• Salary up to £50,000, depending on experience.


• Opportunity to lead the NPD and innovation pipeline.


• Broad ownership from concept development through to product launch.


• Exposure to branded and own-label retail and foodservice projects.


• Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and key customers.


• Supportive, collaborative and hands-on working environment.


• Genuine scope to influence future product ranges and business growth.


• Professional development and long-term career progression opportunities.