Location: London
Overview
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced New Food Development Manager to join a leading food manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality, innovation and premium food products. In this maternity contract you will work closely with the Head of Food, leading the development and launch of new and redeveloped food products, driving projects from concept through to launch and post‑launch review.
About you
- Proven experience managing food development teams within food manufacturing.
- Demonstrable experience in Process Management.
- Strong experience delivering NPD and/or EPD programmes.
- Experience in grocery, chilled food or ready meals highly advantageous.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance quality, innovation and margin targets.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Responsibilities
- Lead all new food development projects from concept through to launch and a 26‑week post launch review.
- Manage critical paths, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to specification.
- Brief and direct chefs, technologists and process teams to achieve development objectives.
- Source and approve new raw materials, ensuring quality standards are established from the outset.
- Cost all development projects to meet agreed margin and commercial targets.
- Lead factory trials, process validation, shelf‑life testing and due diligence activities.
- Deliver accurate trial reports, recommendations and project updates to stakeholders.
Benefits & Offer
This role offers a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of high‑profile food development projects within a business passionate about food innovation and quality. You will play a key role in shaping future product ranges while leading a talented team in a collaborative and fast‑paced environment.
We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.
