New Product Development Manager

NPD Manager – Bakery Manufacturing

Location: South Lanarkshire / Central ScotlandSalary: Competitive, dependent on experienceWe are working with a well-established bakery manufacturing business, part of a wider food group, to recruit an experienced NPD Manager to lead its product development function.This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced NPD professional to take ownership of a busy development function, working across innovation, customer projects and product launches within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.The RoleReporting into the senior management team, you will lead the NPD function and manage a team of 5 direct reports, ensuring projects are delivered from initial concept through to successful factory launch.Key responsibilities will include:Lead, manage and develop a team of 5 NPD professionalsManage the full NPD process from concept through development, trials, scale-up and launchDeliver multiple customer and innovation projects against agreed timescalesWork closely with Commercial, Technical, Operations, Procurement and Quality teamsDevelop products that meet customer requirements while maintaining commercial and manufacturing viabilityCoordinate factory trials and ensure successful transfer from development into productionManage project critical paths and communicate progress to key stakeholdersSupport the wider business with innovation, product improvement and development opportunitiesBuild strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholdersContribute to the continued growth and development of the NPD function as part of a wider food manufacturing groupAbout YouWe are looking for an experienced NPD Manager / Senior NPD professional with a strong background within bakery or food manufacturing.You will ideally have:Proven NPD experience within a food manufacturing environmentExperience managing products from concept through to launchPrevious team management experience, ideally managing multiple direct reportsStrong project management and organisational skillsExperience working cross-functionally with Technical, Operations and Commercial teamsStrong customer-facing and stakeholder management skillsA commercially focused approach to product developmentThe ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced manufacturing environmentThis is a role for someone who enjoys combining people leadership, product development and commercial delivery, with the opportunity to make a genuine impact within an established food manufacturing group.For a confidential discussion about the role, please get in touch.