We are a passionate, entrepreneurial team that moves quickly, cares deeply about product quality, and is committed to clean-label innovation. This is a pivotal moment in our growth and we are looking for an exceptional NPD leader to help shape what comes next.
You will work closely with our Operations, Technical, and Commercial teams, and serve as the primary NPD contact for key retail and foodservice partners in both the UK and US. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role requiring creative ambition, rigorous technical grounding, and the commercial fluency to bring profitable products to market.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Drive innovation in vegan, gluten-free, clean-label, and high-protein product development in line with UK and US market trends
- Develop and present compelling product concepts and range proposals to major retail buyers across the UK and internationally
- Oversee sensory evaluation, factory trials, freeze-thaw testing, and shelf-life programmes for ambient and frozen formats
- Build and manage relationships with ingredient and packaging suppliers to support NPD requirements and cost targets
- Manage and track the full NPD pipeline, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within cost targets, and to brief
- Work with co-manufacturing partners in the UK and US to develop and transfer new products into production
- Conduct costing and margin analysis for new products in partnership with Operations and Finance
- Maintain robust stage-gate documentation and project tracking from concept to launch
Regulatory & Technical
- Collaborate with Technical and Regulatory teams to ensure full compliance across all new products for UK FIR 2014, EU 1169/2011, and US FDA labelling and allergen requirements
- Ensure new products meet gluten-free, vegan, and free-from claims with appropriate substantiation
- Support HFSS assessments, claim calculations, and retailer-specific technical requirements as needed
Commercial & Stakeholder
- Liaise with the Commercial team to support new business development, buyer presentations, and showcasing of Doughlicious capabilities
- Prepapre submission samples for ranging windows as needed
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- 4+ years of NPD experience within a food manufacturing environment, ideally in frozen, chilled, or bakery/confectionery categories
- Proven track record presenting NPD to major UK grocery retailers (M&S, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, or equivalent)
- Strong food technology foundation: ingredient functionality, shelf-life principles, freeze-thaw stability, and allergen management
- Working knowledge of UK FIR 2014 / EU 1169/2011 labelling and allergen legislation
- Commercially astute — able to develop products within defined cost and margin parameters
- Excellent project management skills: able to run multiple concurrent briefs without compromising quality or timelines
- A genuine passion for food, flavour, and innovation in the free-from and better-for-you space
- Experience working with US retail buyers or knowledge of FDA labelling requirements
- Familiarity with high-protein ingredient systems in bakery or dessert applications
- Experience working with external co-manufacturers or third-party development partners
- Experience with Whole Foods, Costco, or natural/speciality retail channels
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Product Development Manager FMCG employer: Doughlicious The London Dough Co.
Doughlicious The London Dough Co. is an outstanding employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and innovation in the fast-growing vegan and clean-label sector. With a strong emphasis on employee development and collaboration across teams, you will have ample opportunities to grow your skills while contributing to exciting product launches that resonate with health-conscious consumers in both the UK and US markets.
Contact Details:
Doughlicious The London Dough Co. Recruitment Team
