Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting product development projects from concept to launch in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join a well-established food manufacturing business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and the chance to shape your own projects.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Take ownership of NPD and make a real impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing NPD and strong formulation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Exclusive Opportunity via Alexander Steele Recruitment. Alexander Steele Recruitment is partnering with an established food manufacturing business to appoint a New Product Development Manager. This opportunity is ideal for an NPD professional who enjoys taking full ownership of projects — from concept through to scalable, commercially successful products — and who is comfortable operating as a hands‑on, standalone lead within the function.
This is a standalone NPD role, offering full responsibility for product development and improvement across the business. You will lead projects end‑to‑end, with the autonomy to shape the pipeline while remaining actively involved in the detail. This is not a purely strategic or desk‑based position — you’ll be personally hands‑on in the development kitchen and during factory trials, ensuring products translate effectively into consistent, high‑quality production.
Key Responsibilities- Take full ownership of all NPD and product improvement activity as the site’s dedicated NPD lead.
- Lead projects end‑to‑end, from concept through to launch and post‑launch review.
- Develop and refine recipes in a practical, hands‑on capacity.
- Plan and run factory trials, ensuring successful scale‑up into repeatable production.
- Work closely with Operations, Technical, and Commercial teams to manage risk and resolve challenges.
- Build and manage a clear, structured NPD pipeline with defined priorities and timelines.
- Collaborate with suppliers on ingredient functionality, quality, and cost efficiency.
- Monitor market trends and translate insights into commercially viable product opportunities.
- Experience in food manufacturing NPD, with the confidence to operate independently.
- Proven track record of delivering products from concept through to factory trial and launch.
- Strong hands‑on formulation and development capability.
- Comfortable managing both strategic direction and day‑to‑day execution.
- Commercial awareness, including ingredient functionality and cost considerations.
- Highly organised and delivery‑focused, able to manage multiple priorities.
- Confident communicator with a pragmatic, solutions‑driven approach.
Working Pattern: Full‑time preferred; however, flexible working (three‑ or four‑day week) will be considered.
Why Apply? This role offers genuine ownership and autonomy, with the opportunity to take full responsibility for NPD while remaining closely connected to the practical side of product development and manufacturing.
New Product Development Manager (FMCG) in Stirling employer: Alexander Steele Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Alexander Steele Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development Manager (FMCG) in Stirling
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your hands-on experience! When chatting with potential employers, highlight your practical skills in product development and factory trials. They want to see that you can take ideas from concept to reality.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like the food manufacturing business we’re partnering with. Express your interest and share how you can add value.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on market trends! Being able to discuss current trends and how they relate to product development will set you apart. It shows you’re not just about the here and now, but also about future opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Manager (FMCG) in Stirling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for NPD: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for New Product Development shine through. Share specific examples of projects you've led from concept to launch, and how you’ve made a tangible impact in previous roles.
Be Hands-On in Your Approach: Since this role is all about being hands-on, make sure to highlight your practical experience in the development kitchen and during factory trials. We want to see how you've tackled challenges directly and ensured high-quality production.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. Show us how your experience aligns with what we’re looking for in a New Product Development Manager.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Steele Recruitment
✨Know Your NPD Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of new product development in the FMCG sector. Be ready to discuss your past projects, especially those where you took ownership from concept to launch. Highlight specific examples that showcase your hands-on experience in the development kitchen and during factory trials.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams like Operations and Technical. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different departments in the past. Think about challenges you faced and how you resolved them through teamwork.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that test your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills. You might be asked how you would approach a specific product development challenge or how you would manage a factory trial. Practise articulating your thought process clearly and confidently.
✨Market Trends Insight
Stay updated on current market trends in the food industry. Be prepared to discuss how you've translated market insights into viable product opportunities in your previous roles. This shows your commercial awareness and ability to innovate based on consumer needs.