At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative food product development from concept to launch, collaborating with diverse teams.
- Company: Dynamic food manufacturer focused on nutritious and convenient products for modern lifestyles.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while working on exciting new products.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and a passion for innovation and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are a forward-thinking food manufacturer creating delicious, nutritious, and convenient products designed for modern lifestyles. Our focus is simple: to deliver food that feels good, tastes great, and fits seamlessly into everyday life. With ambitious growth plans and the experience to back them up, we combine big-company capability with a grounded, hands-on culture. Collaboration, openness, and a shared drive to succeed sit at the heart of how we work. Everyone plays a role, and every idea has the potential to make an impact.
Purpose of the Role
As NPD Manager, you will lead the end-to-end innovation and product development agenda, driving both new product launches and improvements to the existing range. Working cross-functionally, you’ll bring ideas to life—collaborating closely with marketing, category, and culinary teams to build an exciting pipeline of products that excite customers and consumers alike. This is a hands-on, high-impact role. You’ll take ownership from early concept through to factory scale-up and commercial launch, ensuring every product meets the highest standards of quality, cost efficiency, and feasibility.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Leadership
- Lead projects through a structured Stage & Gate process from concept to launch
- Manage timelines, risks, and deliverables to ensure projects land on time and in full
- Own and maintain project documentation and reporting for senior stakeholders
- Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to resolve challenges quickly
- Product Development
- Translate insights into commercially viable, consumer-led product concepts
- Partner with culinary teams to refine product briefs, recipes, and costings
- Oversee trials, approvals, and scale-up into manufacturing
- Ensure products deliver on taste, quality, and operational efficiency
- Innovation Pipeline
- Build and maintain a rolling 3-year innovation pipeline aligned to business goals
- Lead product renovation initiatives to keep the range competitive and relevant
- Identify opportunities for both branded and customer-led development
- Factory & Launch Delivery
- Manage the transition from kitchen concept to factory production
- Support trials and first production runs, ensuring smooth execution
- Work closely with technical, supply chain, and procurement teams
- Oversee successful handover to production post-launch
- Commercial & Technical Alignment
- Track and communicate the financial impact of development decisions
- Ensure accurate documentation for specifications and pack copy
- Drive post-launch reviews to capture learnings and optimise performance
- Team Development
- Lead and develop a direct report, supporting growth and capability
- Build development plans and share knowledge across the wider business
- Champion market awareness through trend insights and competitor benchmarking
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in food manufacturing and product scale-up
- A strong track record of delivering end-to-end NPD projects
- Commercially aware with the ability to turn insight into action
- Confident communicator who thrives in cross-functional environments
- Highly organised, adaptable, and comfortable in a fast-paced setting
- Hands-on knowledge of ingredients, processes, and food labelling
- A proactive mindset with a strong sense of ownership
- Passion for food and continuous improvement
Product Innovation Manager employer: Blakeney Point Search & Selection
As a forward-thinking food manufacturer, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to make a real impact. With a focus on personal and professional growth, we offer exciting opportunities for career advancement while ensuring our team enjoys a supportive environment where every idea is valued. Located in a vibrant area, our company combines the resources of a large organisation with the agility of a smaller team, making it an ideal place for those passionate about food and innovation.
Contact Details:
Blakeney Point Search & Selection Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Innovation Manager
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Blakeney Point Search & Selection.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Blakeney Point Search & Selection!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Blakeney Point Search & Selection, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Blakeney Point Search & Selection, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Innovation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Blakeney Point Search & Selection, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Blakeney Point Search & Selection.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Blakeney Point Search & Selection. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Blakeney Point Search & Selection. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blakeney Point Search & Selection
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Blakeney Point Search & Selection’s mission.
