At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development from concept to factory trials across global markets.
- Company: Join a leading international FMCG business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and excellent benefits in a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and mentoring junior team members.
- Why this job: Shape the future of products and make a real impact on global markets.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field with significant FMCG experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
A leading international FMCG business is seeking a Senior Product Development Manager to join its central innovation team and play a key role in shaping the future of its product portfolio across global markets. This is a highly visible position focused on delivering breakthrough innovation, developing new product platforms, and transforming consumer and commercial opportunities into scalable product solutions. Working across multiple regions, you will lead the technical development of innovative products from early-stage concepts through to successful pilot and factory trials before handing over to regional teams for commercial execution.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Product Development Manager, Innovation Manager, Senior NPD Manager, or R&D professional looking to work on strategic, high-impact innovation projects with international reach.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the development of innovative products from concept and prototype through to pilot and factory scale.
- Manage complex product development programmes across multiple international markets.
- Translate consumer, customer, and commercial insights into technically viable product solutions.
- Build and develop innovation platforms that support long-term category growth.
- Lead technical responses to commercial briefs and define product development strategies.
- Identify technical risks, troubleshoot challenges, and implement effective solutions.
- Plan, manage, and execute pilot plant and factory trials.
- Collaborate closely with commercial, manufacturing, procurement, quality, and supply chain teams.
- Develop strong relationships with suppliers and external partners to identify emerging technologies and ingredients.
- Manage project budgets, timelines, documentation, and technical deliverables.
- Ensure all projects meet food safety, quality, regulatory, and commercial requirements.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and champion innovation best practices.
- Mentor and support the development of junior team members where required.
We are looking for a highly motivated product development professional who combines strong technical expertise with excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills. You will ideally have:
- Degree qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Product Development, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Significant experience within FMCG food product development, innovation, or R&D.
- Proven track record of delivering successful product development projects from concept through scale-up.
- Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes and product functionality.
- Experience managing pilot plant and factory trials.
- Excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
- Strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of consumer-led innovation.
- Experience working within Stage & Gate or equivalent product development processes.
Senior Product Development Manager employer: Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
Join a leading international FMCG business in High Wycombe, where innovation meets opportunity. As a Senior Product Development Manager, you'll thrive in a dynamic work culture that champions creativity and collaboration, offering excellent benefits and a competitive salary. With a strong focus on employee growth, you'll have the chance to mentor junior team members while working on impactful projects that shape the future of food manufacturing across global markets.
Contact Details:
Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Product Development Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out food technology fairs and local agricultural shows. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting employers like Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner face-to-face. Bring your enthusiasm, and don’t be shy to ask questions about their work!
✨Join Industry-Specific Groups
Dive into social media groups and forums focused on food science and technology. Networking with professionals already in the game can help us get the inside scoop on temporary roles, including those at Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner.
✨Consider Seasonal Opportunities
Since this is a temporary role, keep an eye on seasonal hiring times when food companies ramp up for production cycles. Check out companies like Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner during these periods, as they often look for extra support.
✨Got Skills? Show Them Off!
If you’ve got a knack for lab work or product testing, create a mini portfolio of your projects and experiences. It's a great way to stand out when chatting with hiring managers at Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner. Plus, it’s perfect for showcasing your practical skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:In the food science and technology field, it’s all about the nitty-gritty details. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant coursework, labs, or projects that showcase your technical skills in food processing, safety, or product development. Don't forget to mention any specific techniques or technologies you're comfortable with – they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Project:Since this is a temporary role, make your cover letter shine by focusing on your motivation and how you can contribute to Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner immediately. Highlight your adaptability and any relevant experiences that make you a perfect fit for this specific project – employers love to see that enthusiasm and readiness to dive straight in!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any food safety or quality control certifications, make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These badges of honour can give us – and Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner – confidence in your skills and commitment to maintaining high standards in the lab or in production.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Food science is often a team sport, so weave in examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others during your studies or previous jobs. Whether it was group projects or internships, showcasing your ability to work well with others and communicate effectively can really strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
✨Brush Up on Food Safety Standards
In the food science and technology field, it's crucial to understand food safety regulations and standards, such as HACCP. Make sure you're ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous projects, even if they were part of your studies. They might ask you specific questions about handling food safely, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some hands-on assessments or scenario-based questions during your interview with Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner. They might put you in a situation where you have to propose a food product or troubleshoot a food safety issue on the spot, so practice thinking on your feet and explaining your process clearly.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge of Current Trends
Temporary roles often require you to be up-to-date with the latest trends in food technology, like sustainability or novel processing methods. Be ready to share insights on how you can contribute to Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner's projects or products based on your knowledge of emerging trends in the sector.
✨Highlight the Learning Experience
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Share examples of how you've swiftly picked up new skills or technologies in past experiences, whether in your studies or internships. Companies want to see that you can hit the ground running and make an impact, even in a short time!
