New Product Development Manager - Food/FMCG

We are looking for an NPD Manager to drive the development and launch of new food products from concept to commercialisation.

The role will involve working closely with R&D, Product Development, Procurement, Quality, Packaging, Operations, Marketing and Sales to take products from an initial consumer insight or idea through trials, scale-up and final launch.

The ideal candidate should combine strong food product development expertise with commercial understanding and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Key Responsibilities:

- Own the end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) process, from ideation to commercial launch.

- Identify and evaluate new product opportunities based on consumer trends, market gaps, competition and business priorities.

- Convert product concepts into clear product briefs covering consumer proposition, ingredients, nutritional requirements, pricing and target cost.

- Work with internal and external R&D teams, food technologists and manufacturers to develop and refine products.

- Manage multiple product trials, iterations and sensory evaluations to achieve the desired taste, texture, quality and cost.

- Coordinate with suppliers and co-manufacturers for ingredient sourcing, prototypes and pilot batches.

- Work closely with Procurement to identify appropriate ingredients and alternate suppliers while maintaining product quality and cost targets.

- Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure products meet applicable food safety, regulatory, labelling and compliance requirements.

- Drive product scale-up and commercialisation, ensuring successful transition from trials to mass production.

- Work with Packaging teams on packaging formats, specifications and feasibility.

- Develop and manage NPD timelines, ensuring products are launched within agreed cost, quality and timeline parameters.

- Maintain detailed documentation of formulations, trials, specifications and product changes.

- Conduct competitive benchmarking and track developments across the food and FMCG landscape.

- Work closely with Marketing and Brand teams to ensure the final product delivers against the intended consumer proposition.

- Analyse post-launch consumer feedback and performance and identify opportunities for product improvement or renovation.

Candidate Profile:

- 4 - 7 years of relevant experience in NPD / Product Development within the food or FMCG industry.

- Strong experience in food product development, formulation and commercialisation.

- Experience working with food manufacturers, co-manufacturers, ingredient suppliers and R&D teams.

- Good understanding of food ingredients, processing, shelf life, sensory evaluation and product specifications.

- Exposure to FSSAI, food safety and regulatory requirements is preferred.