New Product Development Lead

Join a progressive and family-led business where innovation meets tradition! At Joseph Heler Cheese, we are passionate about delivering world-class cheese products, and we’re looking for an NPD Lead to drive innovation, shape our New Product Development (NPD) process, and make us the go-to NPD partner for our strategic customers., As NPD Lead, you’ll be the driving force behind our development and innovation strategy, ensuring that all product development aligns with consumer trends, customer needs, and the company’s growth objectives.

You’ll own the end-to-end NPD process: from concept creation, feasibility, and recipe development to customer presentations, factory trials, and successful launches. Working closely with Sales, Marketing, and Process Development teams, you’ll deliver innovative, commercially viable products that position us as leaders in the cheese category.

Key Focus Areas

Innovation Excellence

• Lead the ideation and innovation platform, using industry insights and consumer data to create products that inspire and excite.

• Champion the innovation agenda, organizing workshops, brainstorming sessions, and ingredient showcases to fuel creativity.

• Stay ahead of market trends by analysing competitor launches, trade press, and consumer behaviours, ensuring our products remain cutting-edge.

NPD Process Leadership

• Develop and embed a robust, efficient NPD process, ensuring clear communication and seamless project progression from concept to launch.

• Lead feasibility studies, ensuring every product meets commercial, technical, and operational criteria.

• Manage product benchmarking and customer-facing panels, delivering best-in-class presentations and demonstrations.

• Own the transition from development to production, working with the Process Development team to ensure first factory trials and launches run smoothly.

Strategic Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Sales & Marketing teams to create and deliver 18-month customer development plans that align with both business and customer goals.

• Build and maintain relationships with strategic customers and suppliers, positioning us as their innovation partner of choice.

• Regularly review and update NPD plans to reflect evolving market and customer needs.

Leadership & Team Development

• Inspire and lead the NPD team, setting clear objectives and standards of excellence.

• Provide tailored training and personal development opportunities for team members to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

• Define what good looks like for the NPD team and ensure alignment with business objectives.

Operational Excellence

• Evaluate and approve raw materials to ensure they meet quality and innovation standards.

• Oversee the management of departmental budgets and resources.

• Implement robust procedures for nutritional and regulatory compliance across sensitive developments.

We’re seeking a visionary individual who thrives on innovation and delivering impactful results.

You’ll bring:

A degree in Food Science or a related field.

A proven track record of driving NPD success at a senior level.

Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing teams within chilled food manufacturing.

Strong financial acumen and project management skills.

A passion for creative product innovation, with a keen eye on market trends and customer insights.

Excellent communication and negotiation skills, paired with professional gravitas., + Be Inquisitive – Challenge each other to find new ways of working

• Be Collaborative – Work together as a team

• Take Ownership – Own and take responsibility-ask what can I do?

• Be Better – Seek continuous improvement to maximise our potential