Product Development Manager

This role focuses on managing the Product Development team with responsibility for developing new products, improving existing ones, and supporting the full NPD process from concept to launch. It combines hands-on product development, scientific understanding, project management, and customer interaction, with day-to-day management of the process technologists. The ideal person is practical, curious, and confident working across both kitchen and factory environments.

We believe people do their best work when they feel supported, valued and able to be themselves. That’s why we go beyond the basics to create a positive, inclusive and engaging workplace. Our benefits include:

• A supportive, people-first culture where wellbeing, respect and teamwork genuinely matter
• Wellbeing & inclusion initiatives throughout the year including wellbeing events, awareness weeks and practical support for hidden and non-hidden disabilities
• Engaging team activities & celebrations, from seasonal events to recognition days and charity initiatives
• Training and development opportunities to help you grow your skills and progress your career
• Work-life balance supported by fair, flexible and people-focused working practices (where role allows)
• Employee voice & involvement – we actively listen, consult and celebrate ideas and improvements from our teams
• An inclusive and ethical employer, committed to equality, respect and doing the right thing
• Recognition and appreciation, because great work deserves to be noticed

Above all, you’ll be joining a business where people are not just a number; you’ll be supported, encouraged and recognised for the contribution you make.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Development
  • Develop new food products from customer project brief through to launch.
  • Generate and develop innovative product concepts aligned with Zeelandia brand strategy and market opportunity.
  • Reformulate and improve existing products for quality, cost, allergens, or nutritional targets.
  • Run kitchen trials, pilot plant trials, and support full factory scale-ups.
  • Produce samples for internal teams and customer presentations.
  • Create, manage, and continuously improve the critical path process.
• Scientific & Technical Expertise
  • Use a strong food science background to solve formulation challenges.
  • Understand ingredient functionality, processing effects, stability, shelf-life, and product safety.
  • Create and maintain technical specifications.
  • Support sensory evaluation and nutritional analysis.
• Customer-Facing & Communication
  • Articulate and confident presenting products and technical information.
  • Happy in front of customers — comfortable explaining formulations, processes, and development decisions in a clear, engaging way.
  • Attend customer visits, product reviews, and site meetings to represent the NPD function professionally.
  • Able to translate scientific detail into something commercial teams and customers easily understand.
• Team Leadership
  • Manage, mentor and support NPD team.
  • Help prioritise workloads and maintain project flow.
• Project Management
  • Manage multiple NPD projects at once, keeping timelines and documentation up to date.
  • Work cross-functionally with production, quality, procurement, and commercial.
• Factory & Operations Support
  • Attend factory trials and first productions to ensure smooth product handover.
  • Troubleshoot production issues and work collaboratively on process improvements.
• Supplier Engagement
  • Work with suppliers to source new ingredients and understand capabilities.
  • Stay up to date with trends, technologies, and market developments.

Skills & Experience

• Degree in Food Science or a closely related field or equivalence of experience.
• 5-10 years NPD experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• A track record of launching innovative, commercially successful products.
• A proactive, self-motivated mindset with full ownership of projects.
• Confident communicator — articulate, personable, and credible with customers. Good presentation skills.
• Hands-on, practical, and comfortable in kitchen, pilot plant, and factory settings.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, including ability to problem solve.
• Ability to work to deadlines and thrive under pressure.
• Passion for food and product innovation.