Process Development Manager

Drive Innovation. Improve Processes. Deliver Successful Product Launches.

At Banham Poultry, we are looking for an experienced Process Development Manager to lead the development, improvement and successful launch of new and existing products across our manufacturing operation.

This is a key role for someone with a strong background in food manufacturing, product development and factory processes. You will work closely with our Innovation, Technical, Production and Operations teams to ensure new products move successfully from development through factory trials to full production launch.

You will also lead improvements to existing products and processes, helping to improve efficiency, reduce waste, control costs and maintain high standards of quality.

If you enjoy turning new ideas into successful products, solving manufacturing challenges and leading projects that make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

As our Process Development Manager, you will take ownership of the site process development agenda, ensuring product launches and improvement projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the process development agenda for new product launches, ensuring agreed plans and deadlines are achieved.
• Managing the transition of new products from Innovation and development through factory trials to successful full-scale production.
• Planning, coordinating and leading factory trials, including product and packaging trials.
• Ensuring new product launches follow the correct development and approval processes.
• Working closely with Innovation teams to understand product specifications, manufacturing requirements and launch expectations.
• Driving improvements to existing products to enhance quality, reduce costs and improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Supporting projects focused on waste reduction, productivity improvements and process optimisation.
• Coordinating machinery and equipment trials, ensuring teams receive the appropriate training when new equipment or processes are introduced.
• Monitoring product performance after launch and identifying opportunities for further improvement.
• Challenging product concepts where necessary to identify manufacturing risks and ensure realistic costings.
• Maintaining accurate trial documentation and ensuring internal and external deadlines are met.
• Leading, coaching and developing direct reports, ensuring performance reviews, development plans and training requirements are completed.
• Communicating project progress, potential risks and key issues to the wider management team.

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for a proactive and results-driven professional who understands the challenges of bringing new products into a busy food manufacturing environment.

You will be confident leading projects, working across different departments and turning development ideas into practical manufacturing solutions.

You’ll ideally have:

• Previous experience in NPD, process development or a similar role within food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of factory processes and the full product development lifecycle.
• Experience working in chilled or frozen food manufacturing, ideally with coated protein products.
• Experience planning and leading factory trials and managing new product launches.
• A good understanding of manufacturing costs, product specifications and process improvement.
• Strong project management, organisational and planning skills.
• The ability to identify risks, challenge ideas constructively and resolve problems effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across different teams.
• Experience leading, coaching or developing colleagues.
• A practical, hands‑on approach with a strong focus on quality, efficiency and continuous improvement.

Why Join Banham Poultry?

At Banham Poultry, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to supporting our colleagues, encouraging new ideas and creating opportunities for development and progression.

This is an opportunity to play an important role in developing new products, improving existing processes and helping shape the future of our manufacturing operation.

You’ll work alongside colleagues across Innovation, Technical, Production and Operations, with the opportunity to make a genuine impact on product quality, efficiency and business performance.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you have the food manufacturing experience, technical knowledge and drive to lead successful product launches and process improvements, we would love to hear from you.

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