At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development from concept to launch in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join a family-run food manufacturing business known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, pension, and potential sponsorship.
- Other info: Be part of a growing business where your ideas truly matter.
- Why this job: Make your mark by bringing exciting new products to market without red tape.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD within food manufacturing and a passion for innovation.
Location: Leicester
Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30–16:30 or 09:00–17:00 (office based)
Salary: Negotiable (dependent on experience)
Benefits: 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays), pension, sponsorship available
We are exclusively partnering with a well-established, family-run food manufacturing business based in Leicester, recognised for its quality, consistency, and innovation across the UK food sector.
Why this role?
This is a hands-on NPD role where you’ll be close to the product, the factory floor, and the detail. You’ll have real autonomy to lead projects, influence decisions, and bring innovative products to market—without layers of red tape. If you enjoy taking an idea from concept through to launch and seeing it on shelves, this is the kind of role where you can truly make your mark.
The Role
- Own end-to-end product development
- Lead NPD and regeneration projects from concept through to successful launch
- Create and manage critical paths, ensuring projects are delivered on time and in full
- Develop and refine recipes in line with customer, technical, and commercial requirements
- Work closely with Technical, Operations, Commercial, Supply Chain, and Procurement teams
- Be hands-on with factory trials, scale-ups, and product launches
- Ensure all products meet food safety, quality, and compliance standards
- Proactively manage risks to cost, quality, and timelines
- Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders
- Take full ownership of specifications, costings, and product performance
What we’re looking for
- Proven NPD experience within food manufacturing (end-to-end delivery essential)
- Strong technical capability—comfortable working with complex recipes and processes
- Qualified in Food Science / Food Technology (HNC/HND or equivalent experience)
- Highly organised, with strong project management and critical path ownership
- Confident communicator who can work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders
- Commercially aware, with experience managing costings within NPD
- Hands-on approach—someone who enjoys being in the factory, not just behind a desk
- Passion for food, innovation, and continuous improvement
The Opportunity
This is more than just another NPD role. It’s a chance to join a business where your ideas matter, your impact is visible, and your career can genuinely grow. If you’re looking to take ownership, build something, and be part of a business on an upward journey—this is the opportunity to do it.
Baker in Leicester employer: Industrious Recruitment
Join a well-established, family-run food manufacturing business in Leicester, where your creativity and innovation will be valued. With a supportive work culture that encourages autonomy and collaboration, you'll have the opportunity to lead exciting NPD projects from concept to launch, all while enjoying generous benefits like 28 days of holiday and a pension scheme. This role not only offers hands-on experience but also provides a clear path for career growth in a thriving environment dedicated to quality and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Baker in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their products, values, and recent innovations. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the job. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to NPD and food manufacturing. Think about how your past experiences align with the role and be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Baker in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food and innovation shine through. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm for baking and product development.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs in NPD and food manufacturing.
Highlight Your Project Management Skills:Since this role involves leading projects from concept to launch, emphasise your project management experience. Talk about how you've successfully managed timelines and critical paths in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Industrious Recruitment
✨Know Your NPD Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of new product development (NPD) processes. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail, especially how you've taken products from concept to launch. This will show that you understand the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Show Off Your Technical Skills
Since this role requires strong technical capability, be prepared to talk about complex recipes and processes you've worked with. Bring examples of how you've managed food safety and quality standards in previous roles to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Be Hands-On and Engaged
This position is all about being on the factory floor, so express your enthusiasm for hands-on work. Share stories about your experiences with factory trials and product launches to highlight your proactive approach and passion for food innovation.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
As a confident communicator, you'll need to work cross-functionally. Practice articulating how you've built relationships with various teams in the past. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and manage projects effectively, as this will be key to your success in the role.
