The Opportunity
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experiencedSenior NPD Manager / Head of NPDto join a fast-growing, innovative food manufacturer based in Gravesend, Kent.
This is a senior, hands-on NPD leadership role within a dynamic food environment, responsible for driving innovation, leading product development projects, and managing the NPD agenda across a portfolio of major retail customers.
The business is recognised for delivering high-quality, innovative products into the UK retail market and works closely with leading supermarket partners, includingM&S, to develop exciting new concepts and ranges.
The Role
Reporting into the senior leadership team, you will lead the NPD function while remaining actively involved in the detail of product development, from initial concept through to successful launch.
You will be responsible for:
- Leading and developingthe NPD team, providing clear directionand support
- Managing the fullNPD process fromconsumer insight andconcept creation throughto factory trialsand launch
- Developing innovative productsaligned to customerstrategy and markettrends
- Working closely withmajor retail customersto deliver commerciallysuccessful products
- Building strong relationshipswith key stakeholders, including Commercial,Technical, Operations, Procurementand Supply Chain
- Leading retailer presentations, product reviews anddevelopment meetings
- Managing multiple projectsthrough the stage-gate process
- Supporting continuous improvement, cost optimisation andproduct renovation initiatives
- Ensuring successful scale-up from kitchentrials into fullproduction
About You
- Proven experience leadingan NPD functionor managing asenior NPD team
- Strong hands-onproduct development experience
- Experience working withmajor UK retailers
- A strong understandingof retailer expectations
- Experience taking productsfrom concept throughto launch
- Excellent project managementand stakeholder managementskills
- The ability tobalance strategic leadershipwith practical involvementon the factoryfloor
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