Product Development Manager
3 days ago
Norwich
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