Food Innovation & Product Development

Are you ready to shape the future of food?

Our client, a leading food manufacturer, are on the hunt for a passionate and commercially savvy Concept Manager to lead their product development journey—from the first spark of an idea to delivering market-ready concepts.

If you thrive on innovation, love collaborating with customers, and have a flair for leading high-performing teams, this could be your next big move.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Innovation: Turn category and commercial strategies into bold, actionable product development plans that excite customers and set trends.

• Lead & Inspire: Manage, motivate, and develop a talented team, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Own the Process: Oversee every stage of the product journey, ensuring projects hit key milestones and are delivered on time and within scope.

• Customer Champion: Be the go-to contact for our customers—building strong relationships, leading meetings, and ensuring their needs are always front and centre.

• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work closely with Technical, Commercial, Operations, Procurement, and Packaging teams to deliver holistic, consumer-loved products.

• Strategic Planning: Develop clear delivery plans, track progress, and allocate resources for maximum impact.

• Packaging Partnership: Team up with our Packaging Manager to create products that look as good as they taste.

• Documentation & Compliance: Ensure all project paperwork—from feasibility reports to handover documents—is completed accurately and on time.

• Team Development: Provide regular feedback, support personal growth, and help your team reach their full potential.

Experience/Qualifications

• Industry Experience: Proven track record in senior product development or innovation roles, ideally within the food industry.

• Commercial Acumen: Deep understanding of category strategies, customer needs, and manufacturing realities.

• Leadership Skills: Experience managing and developing high-performing teams.

• Project Management: Strong organisational skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects and priorities.

• Communication: Excellent relationship-building skills with both internal teams and external customers.

• Packaging Know-how: Solid grasp of how packaging elevates the product experience.

• Tech Savvy: Confident using planning and documentation tools to keep everything on track.

Benefits

• Make Your Mark: Play a pivotal role in shaping our product strategy and driving real innovation.

• Work with the Best: Collaborate directly with leading retail and foodservice customers.

• Dynamic Culture: Be part of a supportive, ambitious, and forward-thinking team.

• Competitive Package: Enjoy a salary of up to £50,000 (depending on experience) plus benefits.

• Grow with Us: Access ongoing professional development and clear progression opportunities.

Ready to lead the next wave of food innovation?

Apply now and bring your vision to life as a Concept Manager!  Please get in touch to find out more about this fantastic opportunity.