Product Development Manager

Product Development Manager

This role is working for a successful BRC AA Graded food manufacturer. The company produces high‑quality food products and exceptional service, enabling their food manufacturing customers to innovate and increase productivity without compromising on quality.

About the Product Development Manager job

Reporting to the Head of Product and Innovation, the role manages the Product Development team and delivers the full NPD process from concept to launch. The position combines hands‑on development, strong food science, project leadership, and customer interaction across kitchen and factory.

Key tasks

• Lead the development of new food products from customer brief through to successful launch, delivering high‑quality samples for internal teams and customer presentations.
• Drive reformulation and improvement of existing products to meet quality, cost, allergen, and nutritional objectives, while planning and delivering kitchen, pilot plant, and full‑scale factory trials.
• Create, maintain, and review technical specifications, and support sensory evaluation and nutritional analysis to inform robust development decisions.
• Confidently represent the NPD function with customers and internal stakeholders, presenting technical information clearly and translating complex science into commercially relevant insight.
• Work cross‑functionally with production, quality, procurement, and commercial teams to ensure smooth project execution.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the NPD team, managing multiple projects simultaneously to deliver against timelines and milestones.
• Support factory trials and first productions, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, drive continuous process improvements, and work closely with suppliers to source new ingredients and stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies.

About you

• Degree in Food Science or related discipline, with 5‑10 years NPD experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong track record of launching commercially successful products with a hands‑on approach.
• Strong organisation and communication skills with the ability to work to tight deadlines.
• A genuine passion for food and product innovation.

Package & Benefits

• Salary £39,000 – £42,000, depending on experience.
• Working hours: Monday to Thursday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm; Friday 7:30 am – 3:00 pm.
• Location: Wigan (commutable from Manchester, Bolton, Warrington, Preston, Ormskirk, St Helens, Chorley, Bury and other areas of Lancashire and Merseyside).
• 21 days holiday plus bank holidays, pension, investment in people and training, referral programme, wellbeing and engagement programmes, onsite mental health first aiders, employee assistance programme for you, partner and children in full‑time education up to age 21, onsite car parking, company sickness pay, seasonal flu vouchers.

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