Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
Senior Product Development Manager
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Senior Product Development Manager
Senior Product Development Manager (12 Month FTC)
Location: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits Sector: FMCG / Food Manufacturing
The Opportunity
A leading international FMCG business is seeking a Senior Product Development Manager to join its central innovation team and play a key role in shaping the future of its product portfolio across global markets.
Why This Role?
- High-visibility position focused on delivering breakthrough innovation.
- Develop new product platforms and transform consumer/commercial opportunities into scalable solutions.
- Lead technical product development from early-stage concepts through trials before commercialisation.
- International scope—work across multiple regions to drive impactful, large-scale growth.
An excellent opportunity for: ✔ Experienced Product Development Managers ✔ Innovation Managers ✔ Senior NPD Managers ✔ R&D professionals with a strategic mindset.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Innovation
- Lead innovative products from concept to prototype, through pilot and factory-scale trials.
- Develop new product platforms that support long-term category growth.
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Global & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Manage complex projects across international markets, ensuring alignment with commercial goals.
- Translate consumer/customer insights into technically viable solutions.
- Define product development strategies to address commercial briefs.
Risk Mitigation & Operational Excellence
- Identify technical risks, troubleshoot challenges, and implement scalable solutions.
- Oversee pilot plants and factory trials, ensuring successful scaling.
- Collaborate with commercial, manufacturing, procurement, quality, and supply chain teams.
Supplier & Technology Engagement
- Build strong relationships with suppliers and external partners to access emerging innovations (e.g., ingredients, technologies).
Project & Compliance Management
- Manage budgets, timelines, documentation, and technical deliverables.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, regulatory, and commercial requirements.
- Advocate for best practices in product development and drive continuous improvement.
Team & Stakeholder Support
- Mentor and develop junior team members where required.
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About You: Key Requirements
Qualifications & Technical Skills
- Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Product Development, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Significant experience in FMCG food product development, innovation, or R&D.
Development Experience & Leadership
- Proven track record of delivering successful product development projects from concept to scale.
- Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes and product functionality.
- Experience managing pilot plant and factory trials, including scaling up prototypes for production.
Project & Stakeholder Management
- Strong project management skills, with expertise in managing multiple workstreams simultaneously.
- Proficient in Stage & Gate or equivalent product development processes.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills across all levels.
Business & Innovation Awareness
- Commercial awareness and understanding of consumer-led innovation.
- Ability to influence and persuade across cross-functional teams.
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