Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food innovation projects from concept to launch, creating exciting products for consumers.
- Company: Fast-growing food business with a close-knit team and a focus on creativity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and the chance to shape future product ranges.
- Why this job: Make a visible difference and see your ideas enjoyed by customers across the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing, recipe development, and strong project management skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team where your creativity and passion will be valued.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.
Overview
NPD Manager – Food Innovation
From £40k depending on experience
Somerset
This NPD role lets you shape, lead, and influence. In a fast-growing food business with a close-knit team, you’ll have the freedom to innovate, the platform to deliver, and the impact to see your ideas through from concept to launch.
This is your chance to be more than a developer behind the scenes. You’ll be at the centre of innovation, working hands-on to craft products that excite consumers and meet the highest expectations of major retailers. In a business where ideas move quickly from concept to launch, you’ll see the direct impact of your creativity every day.
Responsibilities
- Take customer briefs and translate them into commercially viable, consumer-ready products.
- Create new concepts and evolve existing lines in response to trends, feedback, and technical challenges.
- Own projects from kitchen trial to factory launch, ensuring products hit the mark for safety, quality, legality, and efficiency.
- Be hands-on during launches, supporting production through first runs and making sure everything scales smoothly.
- Drive best practice across the business, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement at every stage.
About You
- You’ll have experience in food manufacturing and understand what it takes to bring new products to life in a fast-moving environment. You’re confident in hands on recipe development, presenting to customers and running factory trials in production.
- Food safety and legislation will already be part of your toolkit, and you’ll bring that essential combination of creativity, detail, and commercial awareness that makes a great NPD Manager.
- Enjoy being site-based, right in the heart of production, where the action happens.
- Have a full UK driving licence and be willing to travel when needed to customers, suppliers, or other sites.
- Bring passion, adaptability, and energy to every stage of the development journey.
- Have proven experience developing products for retail customers, with strong project management skills to take concepts right through to launch. Knowledgeable about food trends and confident presenting, you’ll have the ability to inspire and enthuse customers with your ideas.
- Hold the permanent right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Why Apply?
Because this is a role where you’ll make a visible difference. You’ll be joining a fast-growing, ambitious business, working in a close-knit leadership team that gives you the freedom to shape the future product range. You won’t just be another cog in the wheel – your work will be seen, valued, and enjoyed by customers across the UK.
If you’re ready for a role that combines creativity, influence, and the excitement of seeing your ideas hit the shelves, we’d love to hear from you.
Click apply to send over your CV or contact Rachel Sutton for further info.
Ref RLS59224
#J-18808-Ljbffr
NPD Manager – Food Innovation employer: Focus Management Consultants Ltd
Contact Detail:
Focus Management Consultants Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager – Food Innovation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the food industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, bring your ideas to the table. Share your thoughts on current food trends and how you’d tackle product development. We want to see your passion for innovation shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Be hands-on! If you can, try to get some experience in a kitchen or production environment before your interview. This will not only boost your confidence but also give you real-life examples to discuss. We love candidates who can demonstrate their practical skills and understanding of the process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager – Food Innovation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the NPD Manager role. Highlight your hands-on recipe development and project management experience, as well as any relevant food safety knowledge.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about food innovation. Share specific examples of how you've brought products to life and how you can contribute to our fast-growing team.
Showcase Your Creativity: In your application, don’t shy away from showcasing your creative side! We want to see how you can translate customer briefs into exciting, consumer-ready products that stand out in the market.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get you one step closer to joining our innovative team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Focus Management Consultants Ltd
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the company’s current product range and any recent launches. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you discuss how your ideas can fit into their existing portfolio.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share specific examples of innovative products you've developed in the past. Be ready to discuss the creative process behind these products and how you overcame challenges during development.
✨Understand Food Safety and Legislation
Brush up on food safety regulations and legislation relevant to the role. Being able to discuss how you ensure compliance in your projects will demonstrate your expertise and attention to detail.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Questions
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet, especially about kitchen trials and factory launches. Prepare scenarios where you had to adapt quickly during a launch, showcasing your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
