Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of innovative food products from concept to launch.
- Company: Join a top-rated food manufacturer known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 21 days holiday, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food innovation while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science and 5-10 years NPD experience required.
This role is working for a successful BRC AA Graded food manufacturer. The company produces high-quality food products and exceptional service - enabling their food manufacturing customers to innovate and increase productivity without compromising on quality.
About the Product Development Manager job
Reporting to the Head of Product and Innovation, the role manages the Product Development team and delivers the full NPD process from concept to launch. The position combines hands-on development, strong food science, project leadership, and customer interaction across kitchen and factory.
Key tasks:
- Lead the development of new food products from customer brief through to successful launch, delivering high-quality samples for internal teams and customer presentations. Drive the reformulation and improvement of existing products to meet quality, cost, allergen, and nutritional objectives, while planning and delivering kitchen, pilot plant, and full-scale factory trials.
- Create, maintain, and review technical specifications, and support sensory evaluation and nutritional analysis to inform robust development decisions.
- Confidently represent the NPD function with customers and internal stakeholders, presenting technical information clearly and translating complex science into commercially relevant insight. Work cross-functionally with production, quality, procurement, and commercial teams to ensure smooth project execution.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the NPD team, managing multiple projects simultaneously to deliver against timelines and milestones.
- Support factory trials and first productions, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, drive continuous process improvements, and work closely with suppliers to source new ingredients and stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies.
About You:
- The successful candidate shall have a degree in Food science or related discipline, with 5-10 years NPD experience in a food manufacturing environment.
- You will have a strong track record of launching commercially successful products with a hands-on approach.
- Strong organisation and communication skills with the ability to work to tight deadlines.
- A genuine passion for food and product innovation.
More details:
The Product Development Manager job (ref:9043) is paying £39,000 - £42,000 according to your experience. The working hours are Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 16.30pm and Fridays 07:30am to 15:00pm. The site is in Wigan and is commutable from Manchester, Bolton, Warrington, Preston, Ormskirk, St Helens, Chorley and Bury, along with other areas of Lancashire and Merseyside.
The package includes 21 days holiday plus bank holidays, Pension, Investment in People and Training, Referral Programme for successful employee referrals, Wellbeing and Engagement Programmes, Onsite Mental Health First Aiders, Employee Assistance Programme for yourself, your partner and any children in full-time education up to the age of 21, this includes counselling, Onsite Car Parking, Company Sickness Pay, Seasonal Flu Vouchers.
Product Development Manager - food manufacturing in Wigan employer: b3 jobs ltd
Contact Detail:
b3 jobs ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager - food manufacturing in Wigan
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend food manufacturing events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Product Development Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for food innovation! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas and experiences in product development. Let them see your enthusiasm and expertise in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to NPD and food science. Think about how you can demonstrate your hands-on experience and project leadership skills. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities in food manufacturing, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager - food manufacturing in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in food science and NPD, showcasing any successful product launches you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for food innovation and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your hands-on approach.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: As a Product Development Manager, you'll be leading a team. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience in your application. We love to see examples of how you've mentored others and managed multiple projects successfully.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at b3 jobs ltd
✨Know Your Product Development Process
Make sure you understand the full NPD process from concept to launch. Be ready to discuss your experience with developing new food products and how you've successfully managed projects in the past. Highlight specific examples where you’ve led a project from start to finish.
✨Showcase Your Food Science Knowledge
Brush up on your food science principles, especially those relevant to product reformulation and nutritional analysis. Be prepared to explain how you’ve applied this knowledge in previous roles, particularly in creating technical specifications or conducting sensory evaluations.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since you'll be representing the NPD function to customers and stakeholders, practice articulating complex scientific concepts in a clear and engaging manner. Think of examples where you’ve successfully communicated technical information to non-technical audiences.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership and Collaboration
As a Product Development Manager, leading and mentoring your team is crucial. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you’ve managed multiple projects simultaneously. Share instances where you’ve collaborated cross-functionally to achieve project goals.