NPD Manager

NPD Manager

Sector: Food Manufacturing

Location: East Midlands Commutable from Kettering, Wellingborough, Market Harborough & surrounding areas

Employment Type: Full-time Permanent Onsite

Salary: To be discussed

Hours: Monday to Friday Flexible start times

iSQ Recruitment are working with a trusted recruitment partner to support an ambitious and forward-thinking food manufacturer with their search for an NPD Manager. You will play a key role in shaping the next generation of innovative snack products.

This is an excellent opportunity for a food-focused NPD professional to take ownership of a varied portfolio of NPD and EPD projects, working across a broad range of snack products and formats.

Please note:

• This is a fully site-based position with no hybrid working.


• Applicants must have full Right to Work in the UK as visa sponsorship is not available.


• A full UK driving licence and own vehicle are essential.


• Occasional travel to customer head offices may be required, with expenses covered.

The Role - NPD Manager
Key Responsibilities

• Manage multiple NPD and EDP projects from initial brief through to launch.


• Develop new products, flavours, coatings, shapes and formats across a range of snack products.


• Work directly with major retail customers, presenting concepts, prototypes and project updates.


• Manage customer expectations, handle objections and communicate effectively around project challenges or delays.


• Constructively challenge customer requirements where necessary.


• Work closely with Commercial, Category, Production and Technical teams to deliver successful projects.


• Identify opportunities through consumer, category and wider food industry trends.


• Ensure projects meet commercial, technical, quality and manufacturing requirements and remain on track against agreed timescales.


• Bring creative ideas and a genuine passion for food innovation to the development process.

Benefits

• Competitive salary


• Company Pension Scheme


• Flexible start times


• Monday to Friday working


• Expenses covered for occasional customer travel


• Ongoing investment in manufacturing and product development


• Employee recognition and development initiatives


• Death in Service

About You

• Proven experience in food manufacturing / food NPD.


• Strong customer-facing experience, ideally with major retailers or large food customers.


• Confident presenting to customers and explaining development decisions.


• Experience managing multiple NPD projects simultaneously.


• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.


• Commercially aware and confident challenging requirements when necessary.


• Good understanding of food product development and manufacturing.


• Passionate about food, innovation and emerging consumer trends.


• Highly organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities effectively.

Why This Role?

This is more than a traditional product development position. You'll have the opportunity to work on a high volume of live NPD and EDP projects, engage directly with major retail customers and influence the development of products across a broad and evolving snacking portfolio.

The business is continuing to invest significantly in its manufacturing capability, equipment and product development, creating an environment where new ideas and innovation are encouraged.