We have an exciting opportunity to join the Pilgrims Europe Product & Innovation team for a Product Development Manager based at our Attleborough site.
This role will work closely with both the New Product Development & New Product Introduction Teams in nurturing a food culture in the business, in line with our journey to become a world class food company. Working closely with our site & customer teams in all aspects of bringing new products to market – from the initial concept right through to product launch.
The successful Candidate will be driving the management of projects and critical paths which lead to successful product launches underpinned with consumer and commercial understanding.
Key Areas Of Responsibility Include (but Not Limited To)
- To work closely with the Head of Product & Process, Development Chefs, Site & Customer Teams to determine customer orientated and commercially viable NPD activity in response to customer briefs and innovation.
- Organise innovation sessions internally and customer-facing, working in collaboration with the category team to bring customer and market focus to all NPD.
- Ensure that the Pilgrims’ Europe Concept to Launch Gate process is adhered to through all stages. Taking ownership and driving products, with the NPD, NPI & NWT teams, through each Gate.
- Generate a weekly NPD work plan managing team workload and holidays.
- Complete regular one to one meetings with direct reports ensuring goals are aligned to the business & site strategy.
- Lead & coach direct reports to maximise potential & support high performance.
- Collaboratively with the NWT create customer roadmaps aligned to trends and site capability.
- Using the Innovation Platforms to communicate forward looking plans that gives the business visibility of and confidence in the fact that the opportunities are being maximised.
- Deliver against budgets set by the business and contribute towards customer E2E and DTV projects.
- Support customer facing teams for all enquiries concerning the products you’re working on, keeping them informed of any outcomes and making sure that all their needs are met.
Skills And Knowledge
- Food related degree and/or a minimum of 5 years Product Development experience in the food industry is essential
- Product Costing & P74 Recipe Professor Experience
- Experience running factory trials
- Experience working within a structured development environment using a stage gate process.
- Ability to lead & manage a team, in addition to manage their own portfolio of development projects.
- Project management skills
- IT Proficiency – Excel/Word/PowerPoint
- Ingredient Knowledge/Food Passion
- Previous experience in the Food Industry
- Must have a full clean driving license
Why Work for Pilgrim’s Europe?
At Pilgrim’s Europe, we recognise that our people drive our success. Joining us means becoming part of a respected and forward‑thinking agri‑food business committed to excellence, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
You’ll Enjoy
- ✅ Competitive salary
- ✅ Generous holiday entitlement plus the option to buy additional days
- ✅ Autonomy in how you deliver results
- ✅ Comprehensive wellbeing support and employee assistance programmes
- ✅ Professional development opportunities with access to leadership training and mentoring
- ✅ Employee discounts and access to a range of benefits through our rewards platform
- ✅ A values‑driven culture built on trust, teamwork, and respect
Our values shape everything we do at Pilgrim’s Europe:
- Availability – We’re open and ready for new challenges.
- Humility – We listen, respect, and value every voice.
- Discipline – We deliver on our commitments.
- Sincerity – We are honest and authentic in every interaction.
- Simplicity, Ownership, and Determination – We focus on what matters most to achieve success together.
Join Us
Apply now and help us continue building a sustainable, efficient, and high‑performing business for the future.
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