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- Tasks: Lead innovative food product development from concept to launch, managing multiple projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic, trend-driven product design business with major retail partnerships.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a creative work environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of food innovation in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD, strong commercial acumen, and knowledge of UK food regulations required.
- Other info: Office-based role, 4-5 days a week, perfect for creative thinkers.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 46000 £ per year.
Location: Swinton, Manchester
Salary: £50,000 – £55,000 + Bonus
Type: Permanent
Are you a commercially minded food innovation specialist with a passion for turning ideas into shelf-ready successes? Our client, a fast-growing and trend-led product design business, is seeking a New Product Development Manager to lead the charge in bringing high impact products to market.
The Company
This entrepreneurial, licensing led business partners with some of the biggest names in retail and FMCG to deliver branded, private label, and own-label food products. With a strong track record of category defining launches and a client list spanning many major UK retailers, they offer a versatile and high responsibility environment for innovation led thinkers. Recent wins include licensed partnerships in global food and character brands, and the business is constantly seeking the next big idea across snacking and ambient categories.
The Role
As the New Product Development Manager, you’ll lead the development of 25 - 30 projects, from concept through to launch. This is a highly autonomous role that sits at the heart of the business, you’ll work closely with commercial, sales, logistics, and external manufacturing partners to bring ideas to life. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast moving, creative environment where no two days are the same, and where product fit, commercial viability, and brand storytelling matter just as much as innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead cross functional projects across licensed, private label, and own label food products
- Translate category trends into commercially viable product launches
- Manage external supplier, manufacturer, and 3PL relationships
- Deliver full EPD & NPD pipelines with speed and creativity
- Work closely with sales and marketing to support go-to-market strategies
- Ensure compliance with food safety and labelling regulations
- Champion a solution-focused mindset with ownership from brief to shelf
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience in NPD, ideally within snacking or related food categories
- Strong commercial acumen, not just a product thinker, but a market thinker
- Highly organised project manager with creative energy
- Hands-on experience managing external manufacturing and supply partners
- Knowledge of UK food regulations and quality standards
- Confident communicator, collaborator, and problem solver
- Passionate about trend spotting and gap analysis
- Ability to work in the office 4–5 days per week in a fast-paced SME environment
Interested? Click "Apply" or email your CV to kieran.tudsbury@advocate-group.co.uk to learn more.
The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner to the FMCG and consumer product sectors. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.
New Product Development Manager employer: Advocate Group
Contact Detail:
Advocate Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the food industry, especially in snacking and ambient categories. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for innovation and market awareness.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, particularly those involved in product development. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of past projects where you've successfully managed cross-functional teams. Highlight your ability to translate ideas into commercially viable products, as this is crucial for the New Product Development Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of UK food regulations and quality standards during conversations. Being knowledgeable about compliance will set you apart as a candidate who can navigate the complexities of product development effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in new product development, especially within the food sector. Emphasise your project management skills and any specific achievements related to product launches.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food innovation and your understanding of market trends. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully brought products to market in the past.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your commercial acumen, organisational skills, and experience with external suppliers. Use bullet points for clarity and impact.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of UK food regulations and quality standards in your application. This will show that you are not only creative but also compliant with industry requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Advocate Group
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
As a New Product Development Manager, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of market trends and commercial viability. Prepare examples of how you've successfully launched products that not only met consumer needs but also aligned with business goals.
✨Highlight Your Project Management Skills
This role requires strong organisational skills. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've managed, focusing on how you coordinated cross-functional teams and handled challenges along the way. Use metrics to illustrate your success.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Food Regulations
Familiarity with UK food regulations is essential for this position. Brush up on relevant laws and standards, and be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles, especially in relation to product safety and labelling.
✨Emphasise Your Creative Problem-Solving Abilities
Innovation is key in this fast-paced environment. Share examples of how you've approached problem-solving creatively, particularly in product development. Highlight any instances where your solutions led to successful product launches.
