Manager jobs in United Kingdom

Location: Clitheroe

Salary: £37,000 - 39,000 per annum

Join Our NPD team at The Compleat Food Group!

We’re excited to offer an excellent opportunity for Senior Process Technologist join our dedicated NPD team in Clitheroe on 12 months fixed term contract.

At The Compleat Food Group, we’re proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, we’re on a mission to createFood to Feel Good – great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat.

We’re home to some of the UK’s most exciting and loved food brands, including Wall’s Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio, we’re a leading supplier of delicious own-label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added-value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces and plant-based food to the UK’s major retailers, as well as across foodservice.

With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we’re united by a shared ambition to shape the future of food for the better.

We are backed by European private equity firm PAI Partners.

Working Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:30am-5pm & Friday: 8:30am-4pm

Location: Clitheroe

Duration: 12 months

The role is responsible for delivering the NPD, EPD, and CI quality agenda, with broader site-wide responsibility for the successful transfer of products from concept approval handover through to launch. This is aligned with the Compleat product launch process and critical path, and includes taking a proactive leadership role in product feasibility and strategic projects.

• Scope of Responsibility: Leads trials, launch readiness, and process improvements; also involved in early-stage feasibility and strategy discussions. Clear understanding of category area (i.e. pastry/fry/deli), processes and kit within the factory. Able to support on troubleshooting across site and support advisories within concept development.
• Project Leadership: Leads projects end-to-end and deputises for Process Development Manager.
• NPD/EPD Delivery: Responsible for organising and executing trials, prepros and launches with added accountability for cross-functional alignment, critical path management, and concept development input. Must be involved in site project meetings, feasibility, and handovers. Understanding of impact of trial outcomes v cost of product handed over.
• Factory Trials & Launch: Leads trial scheduling, preparation, completion and post-trial evaluations; validates factory readiness, organises sample requirements and oversees full production handover. Works closely with suppliers to order raw materials & to agree quality parameters of raw materials and assess their suitability for our processes.
• Documentation & Compliance: Leads manufacturing specification writing and documentation to audit standard; may attend HACCP, lead QAS development & approve artwork where applicable. Understanding of micro & organoleptic testing and results, collating for product shelf life sign off in line with site technical accountabilities.
• Continuous Improvement of Quality: Actively supports quality opportunities in line with the quality management team. Proposals to support the quality agenda including feasibility, cost reduction, ways of working and supplier collaboration.
• Budget: Raises relevant POs where required, logs on tracker, monitors for anomalies and suggests efficiency savings, monitors and challenges internal costs such as labour charges.
• Customer Interaction: Leads internal/external product trial feedback in line with NPD, sign-off panels and prepares customer presentation materials, including agenda.
• Team Communication: Lead meetings, updates senior teams, and ensures team alignment across sites and stakeholders. Support communication across departments for both site and central functions.
• People Management: Managers any direct reports (PDRs, 1:1s, appraisals), mentors others, escalates performance issues.
• Strategic Involvement: Involved in strategic planning (e.g. feasibility, innovation agenda, cost modelling).
• Problem Solving: Proactively solves complex manufacturing issues and optimises processes.

• Technical Knowledge: Broader technical depth, food safety understanding, experienced in leading & evaluating trials, documentation, and decision-making. Understanding of customer and BRC policies.
• Required Experience: Experienced in food manufacturing; expected to manage senior communications and complex projects.
• Qualifications: HND/Degree in food-based subject (desirable), HACCP training, strong emphasis on experience and application.
• Soft Skills: Enthusiasm, team player, motivated, adaptable, proactive. Adds leadership, mentoring, decision-making, and stakeholder engagement.
• Flexibility: Expected to support across sites and shifts, including nights & weekends, with added responsibility for project or team success during off-hours.

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing and career growth:

• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
• 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra
• Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store
• Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand
• EV charging points – available at selected sites
• 24/7 access to Grocery Aid for free financial, emotional, and practical support
• Physical Wellbeing Hub – free on-demand exercise classes, gym discounts
• Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes
• Online wellbeing support – from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
• Financial wellbeing tools – including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid
• Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS)
• Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role
• Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations
• Company Mentoring Scheme to add depth and really support your career journey
• Recognition through Club Compleat rewards

• 2 paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes that matter to you
• Charity initiatives and fundraising events
• Team socials to connect and celebrate together
• Employee networks & support groups – including Women @ Compleat
• New baby gift for new parents

The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace.

We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect, we ensure all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves to work. As an equal opportunity’s employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed.

Contact us with any questions about Diversity & Inclusion or accessibility during the application process.

We have a small, active and trusted Preferred Supplier List to assist us if required. We do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions. We only accept CV submissions for roles released to you directly by our Talent Acquisition team.

If you would be interested in working with us please send a message to recruitment@compleatfood.com and should we have any roles we need additional support with we will reach out to you.