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NPD Manager

Job description

NPD Manager – Savoury Bakery 

Bedfordshire | £50,000 – £60,000 + £5,000 car allowance | Monday–Friday, on-site 

Join one of the UK’s leading, family-owned savoury bakery manufacturers and play a key role in shaping the future of products enjoyed by millions of consumers across the country. This is an brilliant opportunity to be part of a company going through exponential growth, with global expansion including new European production sites, creating new job opportunities.

We’re looking for an experienced NPD Manager to lead end-to-end product development – from concept to launch – within a dynamic, fast-paced environment. If you’re passionate about food innovation, thrive under pressure, this is the role for you!

 

About the Role

As NPD Manager, you’ll drive the development of new and existing savoury bakery products, managing projects from initial brief to full-scale production. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you’ll ensure every new product meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and taste.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the end-to-end NPD process – from concept to launch

  • Manage factory trials and scale-up activities, ensuring smooth transition from kitchen to production

  • Collaborate with retail customers to deliver innovative, commercially viable products

  • Maintain full compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards

  • Analyse market trends and consumer insights to inspire product innovation

  • Line-manage and mentor the NPD team, fostering creativity and excellence

 

About You

We’re seeking an energetic, creative, and commercially aware NPD professional with strong leadership and communication skills.

Essential:

  • Proven experience in food manufacturing within an NPD or Product Development role

  • Strong retail customer experience 

  • Excellent understanding of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance

  • Exceptional project management skills in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Desirable:

  • Background in bakery, savoury pastry, or similar product categories

  • Degree or equivalent in Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline

 

If you’re ready to take ownership of exciting new product developments and make a real impact in a thriving bakery business, we’d love to hear from you.