New Product Development Manager

Our client is looking for an organised, commercially minded and proactive Product Development Manager.
This is a hands-on role for someone who takes ownership, gets into the detail and makes things happen. You will manage a varied portfolio of consumer products from initial customer brief and concept through to successful commercial launch for leading UK retailers. You should have proven experience managing product development projects within a fast-paced consumer product environment, with experience working directly with major UK retailers. Experience within food manufacturing, retailer own-label/private-label and branded products is ideal.
The Role of New Product Development Manager:
As Product Development Manager, you will own the full product development lifecycle, taking projects from initial customer brief and concept through sourcing, sampling, packaging, artwork, production and final launch.
You will manage multiple projects simultaneously, owning detailed Critical Paths, coordinating internal and external stakeholders, identifying risks and delays early and driving actions through to completion.
You will also manage the customer relationship throughout development, ensuring briefs and feedback are understood, expectations are managed and products are delivered to the required specification, quality, cost and launch date.
The role requires someone who is comfortable getting into the detail, solving problems and taking responsibility for keeping projects moving.
You will also support new product development by using customer insight, market trends, competitor activity and supplier innovation to identify commercially viable opportunities.
Key Responsibilities for New Product Development Manager:
* Manage product development projects from initial customer brief through to successful commercial launch.
* Build, manage and own detailed Critical Paths, ensuring key milestones and launch dates are achieved.
* Work directly with leading UK retailers, managing briefs, feedback, presentations, approvals and day-to-day communication.
* Lead and coordinate suppliers, manufacturers and internal teams including Commercial, Technical, Operations, Procurement, Packaging and Supply Chain.
* Manage customer meetings, product presentations, sampling, development reviews and approval processes.
* Manage sourcing, sampling, specifications, packaging, artwork, approvals and production activities.
* Maintain accurate project documentation and ensure all required approvals and sign-offs are completed
* Identify project risks, delays and issues early and drive solutions through to resolution.
* Conduct competitor benchmarking, market reviews and store visits to identify product opportunities.
* Support customer presentations, innovation workshops and ideation sessions.
Essential Experience & Skills for New Product Development Manager:
* To be considered for this role, candidates should have:
* Proven experience as a Product Development Manager, Product Manager, NPD Manager or similar role within a consumer products environment.
* Experience managing products from initial concept through to successful commercial launch.
* Experience working directly with major UK retailers, ideally within retailer own-label/private-label.
* Strong project management skills, including managing multiple complex Critical Paths against fixed deadlines.
* A hands-on approach, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to take ownership and drive projects through to completion.
* Strong understanding of sourcing, sampling, specifications, packaging, artwork, production and launch.
* Strong customer, supplier and stakeholder management skills.
* Commercial awareness and the ability to balance customer requirements, quality, cost and timing.
* Strong problem-solving, organisation and communication skills.
* Full UK driving licence.
What Our Client Offers:
Our client wants to attract and retain great people and offer a competitive package alongside the opportunity to be part of a growing and ambitious business.
* Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
* Discretionary bonus scheme.
* 33 days' annual leave, including bank holidays.
* Private medical insurance.
* Company pension scheme.
* The opportunity to join a growing business where you can make a genuine impact and contribute to its continued development.
HYBRID / REMOTE WORKING ON OFFER WITH TRAVEL TO CHRISTCHURCH, DORSET TWICE A MONTH AT A MINIMUM