NPD Lead
| Company: | KPI RECRUITING LTD |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £45,000 - £50,000 |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | ST4 |
| Working pattern: | On-site |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 8 Jul 2026 |
| Closing date: | 7 Aug 2026 |
Summary
NPD Lead I Stoke on Trent I £45,000 - £50,000 per annum
Monday - Friday 8.00am - 4.00pm
We are seeking a passionate and innovative NPD Lead to join a well-established and highly respected food manufacturing business in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic NPD function within a fast-paced environment, delivering high-quality food products across wholesale, retail, and B2B markets.
Reporting directly to the Sales Director, you will take ownership of the product development lifecycle-from concept through to successful factory launch-while also driving continuous improvements in manufacturing processes.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and develop the NPD function in line with the company's growth strategy
• Manage end-to-end product development projects from concept to launch
• Translate customer briefs into innovative, commercially viable products
• Ensure all NPD procedures, specifications, and factory documentation are completed accurately
• Oversee kitchen trials, factory trials, and product validation processes
• Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency, consistency, and cost performance
• Collaborate closely with production, technical, purchasing, and sales teams
• Source and develop innovative ingredients and supplier solutions
• Conduct market research, trend analysis, and competitor benchmarking
• Present product concepts and proposals confidently to customers and stakeholders
• Support cost optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives
• Contribute to the wider strategic development of the business
About You
We are looking for an ambitious and forward-thinking individual with a genuine passion for food innovation and product development.
Essential Criteria
• Proven experience within food manufacturing or FMCG
• Strong knowledge of NPD processes and product lifecycle management
• Previous leadership or team management experience
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong project management and organisational ability
• Commercial awareness with a customer-focused mindset
• Proactive, hands-on approach with a "can-do" attitude
Ideally you will have
• Minimum 3 years' experience managing or supervising an NPD team
• Experience working with chilled and frozen food categories
• Experience working with both retail and B2B customer accounts
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact within a growing and energetic business that values innovation, quality, and collaboration. You will play a key role in shaping the future product portfolio while driving operational excellence.
Apply Now or contact keeley@kpir.co.uk 01782 712230
Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those shortlisted will be personally contacted.
INDCOM