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- Tasks: Lead innovative food product projects from concept to launch in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a fast-growing business partnering with major UK retailers for exciting food innovations.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a creative workspace.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of food trends and make a real impact in a vibrant team.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD, strong commercial skills, and a passion for food innovation required.
- Other info: Office-based role in Swinton, Manchester, with a focus on collaboration and creativity.
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.
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 problem-solving skills by thinking of potential challenges the company might face in product development. Be ready to suggest innovative solutions that align with their business model and values during your interview.
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 successful product launches you've been involved in.
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 turned ideas into successful products and how you can contribute to the company's goals.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as commercial acumen, project management, and knowledge of UK food regulations. Use specific examples to demonstrate these skills in action.
Showcase Your Creativity: Since this role requires creativity, include examples of innovative projects you've led or contributed to. Discuss how you approach problem-solving and your ability to think outside the box in fast-paced environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Advocate Group
✨Showcase Your NPD Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in New Product Development, especially within the snacking or related food categories. Highlight specific projects you've led and the impact they had on the market.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Since the role requires a strong commercial mindset, come equipped with examples of how you've translated market trends into successful product launches. This will show that you think beyond just product innovation.
✨Emphasise Project Management Skills
As a highly organised project manager, be ready to explain your approach to managing multiple projects simultaneously. Discuss tools or methodologies you use to keep everything on track and ensure timely delivery.
✨Communicate Effectively
The role involves collaboration with various teams and external partners. Practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently, and prepare to discuss how you've successfully navigated challenges through effective communication.
