Product Development Manager FMCG

London Source: WhatJobs

£70,000–£95,000

We are a passionate, entrepreneurial team that moves quickly, cares deeply about product quality, and is committed to clean-label innovation. This is a pivotal moment in our growth and we are looking for an exceptional NPD leader to help shape what comes next.

You will work closely with our Operations, Technical, and Commercial teams, and serve as the primary NPD contact for key retail and foodservice partners in both the UK and US. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role requiring creative ambition, rigorous technical grounding, and the commercial fluency to bring profitable products to market.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Drive innovation in vegan, gluten-free, clean-label, and high-protein product development in line with UK and US market trends
Develop and present compelling product concepts and range proposals to major retail buyers across the UK and internationally
Oversee sensory evaluation, factory trials, freeze-thaw testing, and shelf-life programmes for ambient and frozen formats
Build and manage relationships with ingredient and packaging suppliers to support NPD requirements and cost targets
Manage and track the full NPD pipeline, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within cost targets, and to brief
Work with co-manufacturing partners in the UK and US to develop and transfer new products into production
Conduct costing and margin analysis for new products in partnership with Operations and Finance
Maintain robust stage-gate documentation and project tracking from concept to launch

Regulatory & Technical

Collaborate with Technical and Regulatory teams to ensure full compliance across all new products for UK FIR 2014, EU 1169/2011, and US FDA labelling and allergen requirements
Ensure new products meet gluten-free, vegan, and free-from claims with appropriate substantiation
Support HFSS assessments, claim calculations, and retailer-specific technical requirements as needed

Commercial & Stakeholder

Liaise with the Commercial team to support new business development, buyer presentations, and showcasing of Doughlicious capabilities
Prepapre submission samples for ranging windows as needed

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

4+ years of NPD experience within a food manufacturing environment, ideally in frozen, chilled, or bakery/confectionery categories
Proven track record presenting NPD to major UK grocery retailers (M&S, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, or equivalent)
Strong food technology foundation: ingredient functionality, shelf-life principles, freeze-thaw stability, and allergen management
Working knowledge of UK FIR 2014 / EU 1169/2011 labelling and allergen legislation
Commercially astute — able to develop products within defined cost and margin parameters
Excellent project management skills: able to run multiple concurrent briefs without compromising quality or timelines
A genuine passion for food, flavour, and innovation in the free-from and better-for-you space
Experience working with US retail buyers or knowledge of FDA labelling requirements
Familiarity with high-protein ingredient systems in bakery or dessert applications
Experience working with external co-manufacturers or third-party development partners
Experience with Whole Foods, Costco, or natural/speciality retail channels