Product Development Manager FMCG

Doughlicious The London Dough Co., is a fast-growing UK food manufacturer based in West London, specialising in indulgent, premium frozen and ambient products — including gelato bites, cookie dough skillets, and baked goods. We work with major retailers across the UK and the US, and are actively expanding into the rest of the world.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.As NPD Manager, you will own the end-to-end new product development process across our full portfolio — from initial concept through to commercial launch. Better for you Cookie dough innovation is at the heart of this role: you will lead the development of new formats, flavour extensions that excite buyers and delight consumers.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 RESPONSIBILITIESProduct Development & InnovationLead end-to-end NPD for cookie dough, enrobed gelato bites, and product extensions — from brief to factory launchDrive innovation in vegan, gluten-free, clean-label, and high-protein product development in line with UK and US market trendsDevelop and present compelling product concepts and range proposals to major retail buyers across the UK and internationallyOversee sensory evaluation, factory trials, freeze-thaw testing, and shelf-life programmes for ambient and frozen formatsBuild and manage relationships with ingredient and packaging suppliers to support NPD requirements and cost targetsPipeline & Project ManagementManage and track the full NPD pipeline, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within cost targets, and to briefWork with co-manufacturing partners in the UK and US to develop and transfer new products into productionConduct costing and margin analysis for new products in partnership with Operations and FinanceMaintain robust stage-gate documentation and project tracking from concept to launchRegulatory & TechnicalCollaborate 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 requirementsEnsure new products meet gluten-free, vegan, and free-from claims with appropriate substantiationSupport HFSS assessments, claim calculations, and retailer-specific technical requirements as neededCommercial & StakeholderLiaise with the Commercial team to support new business development, buyer presentations, and showcasing of Doughlicious capabilitiesPrepapre submission samples for ranging windows as neededWHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOREssential4+ years of NPD experience within a food manufacturing environment, ideally in frozen, chilled, or bakery/confectionery categoriesDemonstrable experience developing cookie dough, baked goods, frozen desserts, or closely related formatsProven 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 managementWorking knowledge of UK FIR 2014 / EU 1169/2011 labelling and allergen legislationCommercially astute — able to develop products within defined cost and margin parametersExcellent project management skills: able to run multiple concurrent briefs without compromising quality or timelinesA genuine passion for food, flavour, and innovation in the free-from and better-for-you spaceDesirableExperience working with US retail buyers or knowledge of FDA labelling requirementsFamiliarity with high-protein ingredient systems in bakery or dessert applicationsExperience working with external co-manufacturers or third-party development partnersExposure to gelato, ice cream, different frozen dessert formatsExperience with Whole Foods, Costco, or natural/speciality retail channelsSalary 45 K annually. No bonus available.