Senior Product Development Manager

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