Cranswick Country Foods PLC
NPD & Innovation Controller
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NPD & Innovation Controller
(Location: Flexible across Cranswick sites & Tesco Head Office, with regular travel required)
We're looking for an ambitious and commercially minded NPD & Innovation Controller to lead innovation across one of Cranswick's most strategic customer partnerships, Tesco. This is a high-profile role with responsibility for shaping innovation strategy, developing future growth opportunities and driving the successful delivery of new products from concept through to launch. Working closely with Tesco and cross-functional teams across the business, you'll play a key role in strengthening customer relationships, delivering market-leading innovation and supporting long-term growth.
About Cranswick
Cranswick is one of the UK's leading food producers, supplying high-quality food products to many of the nation's best-known retailers, foodservice providers and international markets. Our success is built on innovation, sustainability, operational excellence and long-standing customer partnerships. We work closely with Tesco to develop innovative products, respond to evolving consumer trends and deliver exceptional products for customers. Built on collaboration, trust and a shared commitment to continuous improvement, this partnership provides an exciting opportunity to influence product innovation and play a key role in supporting one of the UK's leading retailers.
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What You'll Be Doing
- Leading the innovation strategy across a key retail account.
- Identifying future consumer, market and food trends to drive growth.
- Managing innovation pipelines from concept through to launch.
- Building strong relationships with senior customer and internal stakeholders.
- Leading cross-functional project teams across Development, Commercial, Category and Operations.
- Coaching and developing high-performing NPD teams across multiple sites.
- Play an integral part of creating the food strategy and be accountable for driving this through all categories in the account.
- Be a thought leader in the business for macro consumer trends (such as health) as well as long-term emerging culinary opportunities, drive first to market propositions in Tesco with this insight.
- Lead and manage senior stakeholders in both businesses to deliver future growth areas in food.
Who We're Looking For
- Proven experience in a senior NPD / Innovation leadership role within FMCG, ideally within fresh or chilled food.
- Strong strategic thinking capability, with the ability to identify and deliver long-term growth opportunities.
- Excellent project management and organisational skills, with experience leading complex cross-functional projects.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective relationships both internally and externally.
- Experience leading, developing and motivating high-performing teams.
- Commercially aware, proactive and customer-focused, with the ability to balance business and consumer needs.
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Why Join Cranswick?
- Competitive Salary, Car Allowance & Bonus Opportunity
- Pension Scheme with enhanced contribution options
- Company Share Save Scheme
- Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Employee Discount Platform
- Ongoing Training & Development & Excellent Career Progression Opportunities
Apply Now
Please submit your CV and Cover Letter to Group.Recruitment@Cranswick.co.uk
Closing Date: 11/09/2026 – Please note that the closing date may be brought forward should a suitable candidate be identified.
Internal applicants must make their line manager aware before applying.
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