Senior Product Development Manager

We’re working exclusively with for an innovative food group that is looking for a commercially minded Product Development Manager to help drive the development of innovative food products from concept to launch. This role suits someone who enjoys variety, takes ownership, and is comfortable operating in a fast-moving environment where priorities evolve quickly.

On offer

• A salary of £50,000 - £55,000
• Excellent bonus offering
• A range of brilliant benefits including medical cash plan and extra holidays
• Work from home with 1 day a week in the office in South of England

The Opportunity
You will lead the end-to-end development of new and existing products across a growing portfolio, with a strong focus on healthier snacking and ambient grocery. This role combines creativity with technical understanding, giving you the freedom to bring bold ideas to life while ensuring they are viable, scalable, and commercially successful.
Key Responsibilities

• Drive product development from initial concept through to launch, ensuring quality, cost, and timelines are met
• Create and refine formulations with a focus on taste, nutrition, and functionality
• Interpret market trends and consumer insights to shape innovation strategy
• Build clear and effective briefs for internal teams and external partners
• Manage critical paths, ensuring projects stay on track and key milestones are achieved
• Lead product tastings, benchmarking sessions, and performance reviews
• Present confidently to customers, translating insights into compelling product propositions
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including technical, commercial, design, and supply chain
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and support factory trials where required
• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, balancing day-to-day delivery with longer-term innovation planning

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in product development within ambient food (ideally 5+ years)
• Strong understanding of ingredients, flavour profiles, and product formulation
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and make informed decisions
• Confident working with critical paths and delivering against deadlines
• Experience working cross-functionally across multiple teams
• Commercial awareness, including cost considerations and product positioning
• Familiarity with nutritional analysis tools
• Strong communication and presentation skills

• Creative thinker with a passion for food trends and innovation
• Detail-oriented with excellent organisational skills
• Proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable working autonomously
• Adaptable and solutions-focused in a fast-paced environment