New Product Development Manager

Company: Alexander Steele Recruitment
Apply for the New Product Development Manager
Location: London
Job Description:

We are working exclusively with an excellent food business in London to support them with the appointment of an experienced NPD Manager.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a strong NPD professional to take ownership of product development projects from concept through to launch within a dynamic and innovative environment. The role will also involve leading and developing an NPD team while working closely with commercial, operations and technical teams to deliver high-quality products to market.

Candidates with experience in food manufacturing and ideally chilled category will be particularly well suited to this role.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of new food products from concept through to launch
  • Manage multiple NPD projects and ensure delivery against agreed timelines
  • Oversee and improve internal product development processes and project management systems
  • Work cross-functionally with operations, commercial, technical and supply chain teams
  • Support the translation of customer briefs into commercially viable products
  • Build strong working relationships with customers and internal stakeholders
  • Monitor market trends, consumer insights and competitor activity
  • Conduct benchmarking and identify opportunities for product innovation
  • Manage, mentor and develop members of the NPD team

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a commercially minded NPD professional with strong leadership capability and a passion for product innovation.

Experience

  • Proven experience in food product development within a manufacturing environment
  • Strong project management experience delivering successful product launches
  • Experience working with customers or retailers on product development projects
  • Previous experience leading or mentoring NPD teams

Key Skills

  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Strong organisational and project management ability
  • Commercial awareness and ability to balance creativity with operational requirements
  • Ability to analyse market trends and identify product opportunities
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Posted: April 1st, 2026