🚀 Product Development Manager

Product Development Manager – Food & Beverage I FMCG

Essex A12 Corridor - must drive due to occasional customer visits! Full-time, permanent

Are you ready to step up into a product development manager role and take ownership of exciting existing product development (EPD) and new product development (NPD) projects?

We’re working with a well-established and rapidly growing food & drink manufacturer to recruit a Product Development Manager for a collaborative product development team.

The Role

You’ll own EPD & NPD projects from concept to launch, present directly to customers, and play a key role in expanding product ranges, both own-label and branded. If you’re looking for a step up and a chance to be developed in a supportive environment, this could be an exciting opportunity for you.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead and deliver end-to-end New Product Development and Existing Product Development projects , from concept through to launch.
• Act as category expert, presenting confidently to retail, wholesale, and foodservice customers.
• Own the new product development critical path , ensuring accuracy, organisation, and timely launches.
• Run factory trials and ensure products are feasible at scale.
• Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Technical, and Supply Chain teams.
• Be a proactive problem-solver, pushing through barriers to make launches happen.

What we’re looking for

• 3 years’ experience in product development (fmcg, consumer products, lifestyle, food or beverage).
• Confident communicator with experience presenting to customers and stakeholders.
• Highly organised, thorough, and comfortable managing multiple projects.
• Strong technical understanding of processes, ingredients, and packaging.
• Passionate about innovation and delivering results.

Why apply?

• A chance to step up in responsibility and develop your career in NPD.
• Join a growing, innovative business with strong customer partnerships.
• Work on exciting new product launches with direct customer exposure.
• Be part of a supportive team where your initiative and ideas will make a real impact.

Interested in stepping up your product development career? Apply now or contact Samatha Chambers at SC4 Recruitment directly for a confidential conversation.