Head of NPD / Senior NPD Manager

The Opportunity

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior NPD Manager / Head of NPD to 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, including M&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 developing the NPD team, providing clear direction and support
• Managing the full NPD process from consumer insight and concept creation through to factory trials and launch
• Developing innovative products aligned to customer strategy and market trends
• Working closely with major retail customers to deliver commercially successful products
• Building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Commercial, Technical, Operations, Procurement and Supply Chain
• Leading retailer presentations, product reviews and development meetings
• Managing multiple projects through the stage-gate process
• Supporting continuous improvement, cost optimisation and product renovation initiatives
• Ensuring successful scale-up from kitchen trials into full production

About You

• Proven experience leading an NPD function or managing a senior NPD team
• Strong hands-on product development experience
• Experience working with major UK retailers
• A strong understanding of retailer expectations
• Experience taking products from concept through to launch
• Excellent project management and stakeholder management skills
• The ability to balance strategic leadership with practical involvement on the factory floor