Product Development Manager

Title: Product Development Manager
Salary: £55-65k
Location: Norwich

Overview

A commercially focused Product Development Manager responsible for leading end-to-end NPD and EPD projects within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. The role involves managing product launches from concept to market, driving innovation, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring products meet customer, commercial, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead NPD and EPD projects from concept through to launch.
• Develop commercially viable, consumer-led products in collaboration with customer, culinary, and commercial teams.
• Manage project timelines, critical paths, and stage-gate processes to ensure successful launches.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including operations, procurement, packaging, finance, supply chain, and technical functions.
• Ensure all products meet customer specifications, legal requirements, allergen standards, sustainability expectations, and quality standards.
• Maintain accurate product data, recipes, and costing information within internal systems.
• Identify opportunities for product improvement, cost optimisation, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee product handovers into manufacturing and ensure launch readiness.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across product development processes.
• Assist with packaging artwork approvals and compliance documentation.
• Manage budgets and contribute to value chain improvement projects.
• Lead, coach, and support the development team to maximise performance and engagement.
• Monitor market, consumer, and competitor trends to identify innovation opportunities.
• Support strategic product planning and customer-focused product roadmaps.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external customers through effective communication and collaboration.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Experience in product development within the food manufacturing industry.
• Proven track record of launching food products from concept to market.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Experience with product costing, budgeting, and supply chain processes.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Desirable

• Experience within relevant food categories.
• Experience working with geographically dispersed teams.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Food Science, Business, Marketing, or a related discipline.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about food innovation and consumer trends.
• Commercially aware, proactive, and solutions-focused.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and results-driven.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.