NPD Project Manager

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen within a fast-growing, entrepreneurial food business that is investing heavily in innovation, new product development and international expansion.

The company has built a strong position in the UK through its core convenience food ranges, including ambient and microwaveable products widely stocked across major retailers. In recent years, it has expanded into broader convenience-led categories such as ready-to-eat meals, noodles and meal kits, reflecting a clear ambition to evolve into a more complete food brand.

With a strong pipeline of new ideas and continued investment in growth - including expansion into the US market with a new manufacturing facility - the business is now entering its next phase.

As a result, there is a clear need to bring more structure, control and consistency to how innovation is delivered. This role will be central to that journey.

The Role

This is a newly created position that will sit at the heart of the business, taking ownership of projects from concept through to launch.

Working cross-functionally with marketing, commercial, technical, operations, finance and HR, you will ensure ideas are translated into successful, well-executed product launches.

A key part of the role will be introducing and embedding a more structured stage gate approach — bringing rigour, governance and clarity to a fast-paced environment where multiple projects are moving at speed.

This is not just about managing timelines. It is about helping the business scale effectively by ensuring innovation is delivered in a consistent, repeatable and commercially successful way.

Alongside UK responsibility, there will also be involvement in supporting activity linked to a new US operation in its early stages.

The Person

This role would suit someone earlier in their career who is looking to grow within a high-growth, ambitious environment.

You may currently be working in project management, supply chain, operations or a related role, with some exposure to structured delivery processes such as stage gate or similar frameworks.

Experience within food or FMCG is beneficial but not essential — what matters most is your ability to manage complexity and work across multiple stakeholders.

They are looking for someone who is:

• Logical, organised and process-driven
• Calm and composed, with the ability to operate in a fast-moving environment
• A strong communicator who can influence different teams with differing priorities
• Proactive, with a natural tendency to take ownership and drive projects forward
• Interested in building structure and improving how things are done