At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative food product development from concept to launch in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Fast-growing, family-led manufacturer with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Free lunch, regular socials, ongoing training, and 33 days annual leave.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant workplace with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in the food-to-go industry.
- Qualifications: Proven NPD experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 € per year.
Location: South London
Reporting into: Business Development Director
Salary: £60-65k // 4 days on site, 1 day WFH
Are you obsessed with creating game-changing food products? Love the buzz of innovation and the pace of the food-to-go world? This is your chance to lead NPD for a fast-growing, family-led manufacturer that prides itself on hand-crafted, high-quality products and a people-first culture.
The Role
As Senior Product Development Manager, you'll be at the centre of bringing exciting new products to life - from bold ideas to successful launches. You’ll own the NPD strategy, inspire a talented team, and collaborate with chefs, customers, and cross-functional teams to deliver products that stand out in a competitive market. If you thrive in a hands-on, agile environment where creativity meets commercial thinking, you'll feel right at home.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Driving and refining the full NPD critical path
- Leading projects from concept to launch with excellence at every stage (including Process and Factory Scale Up!)
- Acting as the go-to contact for internal teams and customers
- Preparing key documentation and presenting with confidence
- Managing, mentoring, and motivating an ambitious NPD team
- Working closely with chefs to turn briefs into winning products
- Tracking trends, benchmarking competitors, and spotting new opportunities
- Building strong customer relationships based on trust and expertise
- Embedding a high-performing, collaborative team culture
What You Bring
Experience:
- Proven NPD experience in food manufacturing (ideally food-to-go)
- Strong understanding of factory processes and cross-functional collaboration
- Leadership experience - managing teams or departments
- Confident in customer-facing roles (retail or foodservice)
Skills:
- Excellent communication & stakeholder management
- A natural project leader with strong organisation skills
- Commercially aware, process-driven, and solutions-focused
- Great problem solver, adaptable, and keen to drive positive change
- Above all - a passion for food and innovation
What’s In It for You
- Free lunch & drinks daily
- Regular socials: summer & Christmas parties, BBQs, pizza days, ice cream vans & more
- Ongoing training and career progression
- Sponsored professional development
- Pension scheme
- Cash plan & wellbeing support
- Discounts on car repairs & MOTs
- Gym scheme
- Cycle to Work
- Mental health champions
- Access to wellbeing services
- 33 days annual leave
- 1 paid charity day each year
- Long service awards
If this looks of interest, please click apply and I will be in contact with more details!
Senior NPD Manager employer: Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd.
Join a dynamic, family-led manufacturer in South London that champions innovation and quality in the food-to-go sector. With a people-first culture, you will enjoy a range of benefits including free daily lunches, regular social events, and extensive career development opportunities. This role not only allows you to lead exciting product innovations but also fosters a collaborative environment where your passion for food can truly shine.
Contact Detail:
Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior NPD Manager
✨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. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for food innovation! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your ideas and insights about the latest trends in food-to-go. This will help you stand out as someone who’s not just looking for a job, but is genuinely excited about the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company’s products and their NPD strategy. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to discuss specific examples of your past successes in product development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. So, hit that apply button and let’s get the conversation started!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior NPD Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food and innovation shine through. Share specific examples of how you've created game-changing products in the past, as this will resonate with us and show that you're a perfect fit for the role.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your NPD experience in food manufacturing, especially if it's in the food-to-go sector. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects and achievements.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, and make it easy for us to see why you’re the right candidate. Remember, we appreciate good communication!
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd.
✨Know Your NPD Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends in food innovation, especially in the food-to-go sector. Research the company’s recent product launches and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their NPD strategy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others, as this role requires leading a talented NPD team.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with chefs and cross-functional teams, think of specific instances where you’ve collaborated effectively. Be prepared to explain how you can bridge gaps between different departments to drive successful product launches.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Food
Let your enthusiasm for food and innovation shine through during the interview. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that reflect your love for creating game-changing products, as this will resonate well with the company’s culture.
