Npd Manager

Job Description:

NPD Manager (Food Manufacturing)
Location: Leicester
Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30–16:30 or 09:00–17:00 (office based)
Salary: Negotiable (dependent on experience)
Benefits: 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays), pension, sponsorship available

We are exclusively partnering with a well-established, family-run food manufacturing business based in Leicester, recognised for its quality, consistency, and innovation across the UK food sector.

Why this role?

This is a hands-on NPD role where you’ll be close to the product, the factory floor, and the detail. You’ll have real autonomy to lead projects, influence decisions, and bring innovative products to market—without layers of red tape.

If you enjoy taking an idea from concept through to launch and seeing it on shelves, this is the kind of role where you can truly make your mark.

The Role

• Own end-to-end product development
• Lead NPD and regeneration projects from concept through to successful launch
• Create and manage critical paths, ensuring projects are delivered on time and in full
• Develop and refine recipes in line with customer, technical, and commercial requirements
• Work closely with Technical, Operations, Commercial, Supply Chain, and Procurement teams
• Be hands-on with factory trials, scale-ups, and product launches
• Ensure all products meet food safety, quality, and compliance standards
• Proactively manage risks to cost, quality, and timelines
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders
• Take full ownership of specifications, costings, and product performance

What we’re looking for

• Proven NPD experience within food manufacturing (end-to-end delivery essential)
• Strong technical capability—comfortable working with complex recipes and processes
• Qualified in Food Science / Food Technology (HNC/HND or equivalent experience)
• Highly organised, with strong project management and critical path ownership
• Confident communicator who can work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders
• Commercially aware, with experience managing costings within NPD
• Hands-on approach—someone who enjoys being in the factory, not just behind a desk
• Passion for food, innovation, and continuous improvement

The Opportunity

This is more than just another NPD role. It’s a chance to join a business where your ideas matter, your impact is visible, and your career can genuinely grow.

If you’re looking to take ownership, build something, and be part of a business on an upward journey—this is the opportunity to do it.