Travel Requirements: International and UK travel as needed.
2 days to be spent in Manchester every 2 weeks at our manufacturing sites.
Reporting to: Commercial Director
Direct Reports: 2 London Based Product Developers 1 Manchester Based Product Developers 1 Manchester Based Process Technologist Company Overview: Quality Italian food are at the heart of everything we do.
As the UK's leading supplier, producer, and importer of premium Italian and international cuisine, we've been shaping the food industry since 1989.
Our partnerships with renowned restaurants, retailers, and food service
The Opportunity: Offering a fantastic opportunity for a Product Development Manager to join our team.
This pivotal role will involve shaping the future of our product ranges across multiple categories, ensuring we remain at the forefront of market trends.
Working closely with our manufacturing sites and external partners, you'll help ensure our products are always best-in-class.
Key Responsibilities: Lead all aspects of product development for UK retail, foodservice, and wholesale accounts (own label and branded products).
Develop innovative, high-quality products and packaging that exceed market expectations.
Manage the full NPD process from concept to launch, including trials, costing, and post-launch reviews.
Conduct benchmarking, market analysis, and competitor reviews to identify trends and opportunities.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure products meet quality, customer, and business standards.
Drive a culture of innovation within the team, coaching and inspiring the NPD team and partners.
Ensure adherence to critical paths and manage timelines for NPD briefs.
Oversee raw material sourcing, specifications, and compliance with brand standards.
Lead, coach, inspire and develop the NPD team and oversee workloads; Continuously review individual and departmental performance Ideal Candidate: Minimum 1 year of experience managing teams.
Extensive background in retail food product development, particularly in chilled categories.
Proven track record of successful EPD (Existing Product Development), concept creation, and market launches.
Significant experience in project management and leading high-performing teams.
Strong relationship-building skills with retailers, understanding their strategies, and presenting aligned solutions.
Ability to interpret and leverage market insight data.
Passionate about food and trends, innovative and conceptual thinking Outstanding communication skills – a strong influencer, who likes to work cross functionally and takes pride in watching an idea becoming reality Flexible to travel between Group sites and to retailers, with occasional travel to sister factories and manufacturing partners across Europe.
Benefits: 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays Take 1 wellness day every year on us.
Access to mental health, legal, and financial advice via our Employee Assistance Programme.
On site gym coming to HQ in 2025.
Cycle to Work Scheme: Save on your commute with our green initiative.
Enjoy the company of our furry friends at HQ (but don't worry, there's always a dog-free zone for those who prefer it).
Annual summer and Christmas Parties, as well as Quarterly Townhalls and socials.
Enhanced Family Leave Paid time off for fertility treatment (includes partners) 5 days per annum of paid carers leave for those with caring responsibilities Career Development: