Innovation and NPD Manager

Job Title: Innovation and NPD Manager

Salary: 50,000 - 55,000 DOE + Competitive benefits package including private healthcare

Location: 10 minutes from Romford - Must be a car driver

Full time, Hybrid Work pattern: 3 days per week in the office, 2 days working from home or at 3rd party supplier

Must be a car driver to access the office due to the location

Must have previous experience within food / consumables industry

Exciting Opportunity with Leading Food Brand

The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of new product launches, from exploration to market introduction. You will work with key stakeholders across all business functions to ensure projects are delivered on time, to cost, and meeting high quality standards. You will take full accountability for end-to-end project management - optimising timelines, identifying and communicating risks, and managing through the stage gate process.

• Support the Innovation Lead in executing our client's innovation strategy
• Lead end-to-end NPD, including recipe development, costing, trials, and post-launch reviews
• Develop and manage project timelines for major innovation and range extension projects
• Work with internal teams (Marketing, Category, Supply Chain, Technical, Sales, Finance) and external partners (manufacturers, agencies) to ensure smooth execution
• Drive decision-making and risk management through the stage gate process
• Oversee recipe formulation, product development, and collaboration with UK & EU manufacturing teams
• Identify and mitigate risks while ensuring regulatory and market requirements are met
• Manage consumer research activities, competitor analysis, and market trends
• Facilitate multi-functional project meetings and ensure stakeholder alignment

• 4-5 years in project management, specifically NPD in branded retail food (ambient, chilled, or convenience meals)
• Strong project management skills from ideation to post-launch evaluation
• Experience in recipe development, cost engineering, and factory trials
• Knowledge of supply chain, operations, and cross-functional dependencies
• Agile mindset, strong communication skills, and attention to detail
• Experience managing projects through stage gate processes and working with 3rd party suppliers
• Proficiency in project management tools is a plus

• Degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field preferred

Our client is committed to building a culturally diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation. They are also dedicated to maintaining a strong quality and food safety culture to support their brand reputation.

If you are passionate about food innovation and have the experience to drive new product development from concept to shelf, we would love to hear from you.

Company Benefits:

- Holidays: 25 days (increasing to 28 days with service).
- Additional Leave: Up to 10 extra days for long service milestones.
- Pension: Group personal pension with 4% company contribution.
- Life Cover: 3 x salary paid to your nominated beneficiary.
- Maternity Pay: Occupational maternity pay plus SMP.
- Accident Cover: Disability compensation payment.
- Health & Wellbeing: BUPA & BUPA cash plan (individual or family).
- Recognition: Employee Star Award.
- Lunches & Drinks: Free lunch every day (valued at 700) + free drinks.
- Social: Heavily subsidised sports & social events + annual company BBQ.
- Annual Flu Vaccination: Provided for all employees.

Additional Notes:

Car Driver Required: The office is not accessible via public transport; therefore, a valid driving license and access to a car is essential.

Location Disclosure: Please mention your location in your CV. Applications without location details may experience delays in processing.

Eligibility: Only applicants with UK residency and full visa status will be considered. Applications from those outside of the UK will not be shortlisted. If you plan to relocate, please mention this in your CV or cover letter.