At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of innovative food products from concept to launch.
- Company: Successful BRC AA Graded food manufacturer focused on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, training opportunities, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in food product development.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science and 5-10 years NPD experience required.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 42000 £ per year.
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 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
- Degree in Food Science or related discipline, with 5‑10 years NPD experience in a food manufacturing environment.
- 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.
Package & Benefits
- Salary £39,000 – £42,000, depending on experience.
- Working hours: Monday to Thursday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm; Friday 7:30 am – 3:00 pm.
- Location: Wigan (commutable from Manchester, Bolton, Warrington, Preston, Ormskirk, St Helens, Chorley, Bury and other areas of Lancashire and Merseyside).
- 21 days holiday plus bank holidays, pension, investment in people and training, referral programme, wellbeing and engagement programmes, onsite mental health first aiders, employee assistance programme for you, partner and children in full‑time education up to age 21, onsite car parking, company sickness pay, seasonal flu vouchers.
Product Development Manager in Wigan employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
As a leading BRC AA Graded food manufacturer, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that champions innovation and quality. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and a supportive environment where your passion for food and product development can thrive. Located in Wigan, with easy access from major towns, we offer competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a range of wellbeing initiatives, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the food industry.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager in Wigan
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend food innovation 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! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your favourite food trends or innovations. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising your project leadership stories. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led NPD projects in the past, focusing on your hands-on approach and teamwork skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Product Development Manager role. Highlight your NPD experience and any successful product launches you've been part of. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about food innovation and how your background in food science makes you the perfect fit for this role. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Project Management Skills:Since this role involves managing multiple projects, be sure to highlight your organisational skills and any relevant project management experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past – we want to know how you get things done!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to attach all your documents in one go. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our awesome team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa 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 quality improvement. Be prepared to explain how you’ve applied this knowledge in real-world scenarios, particularly in meeting nutritional and allergen objectives.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice presenting technical information in a way that’s easy to understand. You’ll need to translate complex science into commercially relevant insights, so think about how you can simplify your explanations while still showcasing your expertise.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Team Management Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience leading and mentoring teams. Share examples of how you’ve managed multiple projects simultaneously and how you’ve supported your team in achieving their goals. This will show that you’re not just a great individual contributor but also a strong leader.
