NPD Project Developer; Food

Position: NPD Project Developer (Food)
Location: Elstree

Are you a foodie with a knack for project management?

Our client, a leading supplier of value-added protein products to the retail, food service, and B2B channels, is looking for a driven NPD Project Developer to join their expanding innovation team.

Reporting to the Project Manager, you will be the engine behind end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) projects—taking them from initial concept to a successful launch on supermarket shelves.

This is a high-impact role involving direct collaboration with 3rd party suppliers and major UK customers including retailers, food service providers and B2B manufacturers.

Key Responsibilities

* Project Execution:
Plan and execute projects across a diverse supplier and customer base, ensuring "on time, in full" delivery.

* Critical Paths:
Establish and manage critical paths, assessing customer timelines against ingredient and packaging capacities.

* Factory Trials:
Arrange and attend trials across the UK, EU, and internationally to ensure seamless full-scale production.

* Documentation:
Maintain accurate technical documentation, including trial results, QAS, development sheets, and specification writing.

* Sample Management:
Oversee all aspects of sample preparation, storage, and submission to customers.

* Market Insight:
Conduct supermarket visits to benchmark against competitors and identify new trends.

The Candidate

* Experience:

2–5 years in a similar role within the food industry, NPD or technical experience of working with protein or chilled products ideally

* Mobility: A full driving licence is essential, as the role requires travel to national and global sites.

* Communication:
Strong numerical skills and the ability to build relationships with technical, commercial, and operational teams.

* Mindset: A detail-oriented professional with a genuine passion for food who can work both independently and as part of a team.

Please note, our client is unable to provide sponsorship, candidates need to have full eligibility to live and work in the UK indefinitely