NPD Manager (New Product Development)

NPD Manager - Hybrid

Fresh produce / FMCG / Food manufacturing

Are you a creative and commercially minded food professional with a passion for innovation? We are looking for an experienced NPD Manager to lead the development of exciting, high-quality fresh produce and fruit-based products for leading UK retailers.

We are working with a market leader who supply innovative, fresh-cut fruit and value-added produce to top supermarkets.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Lead the full NPD process — from concept to launch — delivering innovative products in line with customer briefs and brand standards.
• Collaborate with commercial, technical, and operations teams to ensure feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and food safety.
• Manage customer relationships, present new ideas, and respond to briefs from major UK retailers (e.g. M&S, Tesco).
• Keep ahead of market trends, seasonality, and sustainability to drive product innovation.
• Coordinate factory trials, production scale-ups, and post-launch reviews.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in an NPD role within the fresh produce, chilled food, or FMCG sector.
• Strong understanding of retailer expectations, especially in chilled categories.
• Confident communicator with project management skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Knowledge of food safety, technical standards, and manufacturing processes.
• Passion for food, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Commercial awareness (essential).
• Able to use fact-based sales and market data to justify NPD (essential)

What's on Offer:

• The opportunity to influence the next generation of fresh produce innovation.
• A fast-moving, supportive environment where no two days are the same.
• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Career progression and training opportunities within a growing business.

Ready to make your mark in fresh food innovation?

Apply now and be part of a business that’s shaping the future of fresh produce in UK retail.