Product Development & Project Manager

Are you an experienced food industry professional with a passion for innovation, product development, and delivering exceptional technical standards?

We are working exclusively with an established food manufacturer that is seeking to appoint a Product Development & Projects Manager to lead the development, documentation, and launch of new and existing delicious products. Due to very exciting growth, this is a brand-new role within the business.

In this role, you will work closely with Technical, Production, Commercial, and Finance teams to ensure products meet customer expectations, legislative requirements, and internal quality standards. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong NPD experience, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of food manufacturing processes.

Key accountabilities:

• Manage NPD projects from concept through to launch, including recipe development, factory trials, and smooth production handovers.
• Maintain accurate product costings, prepare samples, and coordinate product imagery and customer documentation.
• Work cross-functionally to ensure all products are commercially viable, compliant, and operationally deliverable.
• Oversee packaging and artwork processes, including proofing, version control, print approvals, and printed packaging procurement.
• Ensure all packaging information meets legislative and customer requirements, including allergens, labelling, and HFSS.
• Manage Brandbank/data uploads, pack images, and online product information.
• Act as the primary technical contact for customer enquiries and support the commercial team with specifications and forms.
• Complete product specifications, new line forms, seasonal schedules, and support pricing updates and quotations.
• Provide packaging and ESG data to key customers as required.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and specifications across customer platforms, ensuring alignment with factory processes.
• Support traceability checks, audits, and factory compliance activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by enhancing documentation systems, traceability, and supporting wider technical and operational projects.

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in NPD, product specifications, and packaging management.
• Customer-facing experience with retail or wholesale accounts.
• Understanding of BRC and food labelling regulations.