NPD Lead

NPD Lead I Stoke on Trent I £45,000 per annum

Monday - Friday 8.00am - 4.00pm

We are seeking a passionate and innovative NPD Lead to join a well-established and highly respected food manufacturing business in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic NPD function within a fast-paced environment, delivering high-quality food products (chilled and frozen) across wholesale, retail, and B2B markets.

Reporting directly to the Sales Director, you will take ownership of the product development lifecycle-from concept through to successful factory launch-while also driving continuous improvements in manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and develop the NPD function in line with the company's growth strategy
Manage end-to-end product development projects from concept to launch
Translate customer briefs into innovative, commercially viable products
Ensure all NPD procedures, specifications, and factory documentation are completed accurately
Oversee kitchen trials, factory trials, and product validation processes
Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency, consistency, and cost performance
Collaborate closely with production, technical, purchasing, and sales teams
Source and develop innovative ingredients and supplier solutions
Conduct market research, trend analysis, and competitor benchmarking
Present product concepts and proposals confidently to customers and stakeholders
Support cost optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives
Contribute to the wider strategic development of the business

About You

We are looking for an ambitious and forward-thinking individual with a genuine passion for food innovation and product development.

Essential Criteria

Proven experience within food manufacturing or FMCG
Strong knowledge of NPD processes and product lifecycle management
Previous leadership or team management experience
Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills
Strong project management and organisational ability
Commercial awareness with a customer-focused mindset
Proactive, hands-on approach with a "can-do" attitude

Ideally you will have

Minimum 3 years' experience managing an NPD team or similar department
Experience working with chilled and frozen food categories
Experience working with both retail and B2B customer accounts

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact within a growing and energetic business that values innovation, quality, and collaboration. You will play a key role in shaping the future product portfolio while driving operational excellence.

Apply Now or contact  (phone number removed)

Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those shortlisted will be personally contacted.

INDCOM
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed