NPD Manager

Calbee Group; Bradford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A notable snack manufacturer in Bradford is seeking an R&D Manager to lead product innovation and development. The role involves managing the entire NPD lifecycle, working closely with various teams to ensure successful product launches. Qualified candidates should have at least 4 years of FMCG product development experience, excellent project management abilities, and a keen understanding of market trends. This position allows you to shape products enjoyed by consumers while offering a competitive compensation package.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for development

Collaborative culture

Qualifications

• A minimum of 4 years’ experience in commercial FMCG product development.
• Proven experience delivering successful NPD projects from concept to launch.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.

Responsibilities

• Drive the brand innovation strategy and build a robust NPD pipeline.
• Lead the development and delivery of brand NPD projects.
• Manage the full NPD lifecycle – from trend tracking and insight through to launch.

Skills

FMCG product development

Project management

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or similar

Job description

Seabrook Crisps, established in 1945, is a proud British brand known for its iconic crinkle‑cut crisps and bold flavour innovation. What began as a simple snack in Bradford has grown into a nationally recognised brand with a loyal following.

In 2018, Seabrook was acquired by Calbee, one of the world’s largest snack manufacturers, marking an exciting new chapter of growth. Now part of the Calbee Group UK, with manufacturing sites in Bradford and Deeside, the business continues to perform strongly in a challenging market — driven by ambition, innovation and great people.

With exciting growth plans and innovation at the heart of our strategy, we are now recruiting a passionate R&D Manager to strengthen our Marketing & R&D function and help shape the future of our brand and own‑label portfolio.

About the Role

As NPD Manager, you’ll play a critical role in driving Seabrook’s future innovation pipeline across both branded and own‑label products. Working closely with Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and our Group R&D team, you’ll take end‑to‑end ownership of New Product Development — from concept through to launch.

This is a hands‑on, visible role where you will build concepts, develop samples, work with suppliers, lead projects and help embed an innovation‑led culture across the business. You’ll also collaborate with key retail customers to deliver commercially successful products that delight consumers and meet market needs.

This role is based in Bradford (hybrid working – minimum 3 days on site), with some travel to our Deeside site and customer locations as required.

Role Accountabilities

• Drive the brand innovation strategy and build a robust NPD pipeline
• Lead the development and delivery of brand NPD projects
• Work closely with Sales and customers to generate own label concepts and deliver projects
• Manage the full NPD lifecycle – from trend tracking and insight through to launch
• Create product concepts, samples and specifications, working with suppliers where required
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to deliver packaging and product requirements
• Lead cross‑functional project teams and oversee the stage & gate process
• Champion innovation culture across the business.

What We Are Looking For

• A minimum of 4 years’ experience in commercial FMCG product development
• Proven experience delivering successful NPD projects from concept to launch
• Strong project management skills with the ability to work cross‑functionally
• Knowledge of frying and extrusion technologies is advantageous
• Experience working with major UK retailers on own‑label development is beneficial
• Excellent IT and organisational skills
• UK Full Clean Driving Licence

Desirable but not essential

• Fluent in Japanese
• Experience of working International Marketing Teams
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition or similar
• Experience with savoury snacks

Personal Attributes

• Collaborative and influential, able to work across functions and levels
• Resilient, positive and calm under pressure
• Proactive, self‑motivated and agile in approach
• Purpose‑led with strong priority management
• Well‑organised with excellent attention to detail

What We Offer

• A dynamic, growing business with strong leadership and vision
• A collaborative culture where innovation is encouraged
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunities for development within a global organisation
• A real opportunity to shape products enjoyed by millions of consumers

How to Apply

If you’re ready to take the next step in your NPD career and want to be part of an exciting growth journey, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV and cover letter to: [e-mail]