Hiring Now: New Product Development Manager Near You – Apply Today!
Your Next New Product Development Manager Job Starts Here – Apply Now!
New Product Development Manager
Job Posted: 3 days ago
Salary: £ 45,000 - 55,000 / Annum
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Accrington
Expire in: 25 days
Job Description
New Product Development Manager
Location: Accrington, Lancashire
Type: Permanent
Salary: Up to £55,000 + benefits
Do you want to lead exciting food innovation projects for one of the UK’s most recognisable names in chilled and frozen food manufacturing space?
We’re hiring an NPD Manager to take charge of end-to-end product development, bringing both new and improved products to market. This is a fantastic opportunity for a proactive and commercially minded food professional to shape product strategy within a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
About the Company
Our client is a long established UK food manufacturer, known for its heritage, trusted quality, and presence across major supermarkets. With deep roots in the North West, the business has a loyal consumer base and a strong commitment to innovation within savoury chilled and frozen food categories.
Operating with a lean structure and minimal red tape, they combine speed and autonomy with strong cross-functional collaboration, the perfect environment for a hands-on NPD expert ready to make an impact.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Commercial, you’ll own the full NPD/EPD process, from kitchen concept and factory trials through to product launch. You’ll work cross functionally with Technical, Engineering, Category, and Operations, managing timelines, documentation, packaging, and internal approvals.
This is a brilliant role for someone who enjoys working independently, thrives in a practical environment, and wants to deliver tangible results across branded and own-label portfolios.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the end-to-end delivery of NPD and EPD projects
Chair weekly NPD meetings and manage project timelines
Develop and trial kitchen concepts based on trend insights and customer briefs
Manage costings, packaging approvals, and reheating/cooking validations
Collaborate with Technical on specs, QUID, HACCP and documentation
Coordinate internal tasting sessions and benchmarking
Support Capex project delivery with Engineering where applicable
Ensure all internal systems and stakeholders are aligned pre-launch
What We’re Looking For
Experience in food NPD, ideally within chilled/frozen manufacturing.
Strong project management and cross-functional communication skills
Confident working independently with minimal supervision
Hands-on mindset with attention to detail and commercial awareness
Excellent documentation and organisation capabilities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; MS Project experience a plus
Experience with both own-label and branded ranges welcome
Why Join?
Product Autonomy – Own the full NPD process from idea to launch
Cross-Functional Exposure – Collaborate across Technical, Commercial, Ops, and Engineering
Fast-Paced – Agile environment with minimal bureaucracy
Make an Impact – High visibility in a lean, innovation-focused team
Interested? 'Apply' below or email your CV to:
The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner to the FMCG and consumer product sectors. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancyBefore You Apply
Do not include the following in your job application, CV, or cover letter:
- Bank details.
- National Insurance number.
- Date of birth.
You should not be asked for payment or irrelevant information. If you have concerns about a job advert or employer, seek guidance on how to proceed.
Looking for your next career move? Join a top company hiring New Product Development Manager job near me in Accrington! This is your chance to work on exciting projects, grow professionally, and enjoy a rewarding career with competitive pay and excellent benefits. Whether you're an experienced professional or looking to take the next step, this role offers the perfect opportunity to enhance your skills and make an impact. Don’t miss out—apply today via Vita CV and take your career to the next level!
© Vita CV: Registered in England and Wales (16187919).