834 Product Manager jobs in the United Kingdom

Your new company
Hays are delighted to be working closely with this exceptional manufacturing success story. One, that, over the last 15 years, has continued to go from strength to strength. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic and collaborative team, where you'll play a key role in the day-to-day leadership of the NPD (New Product Development) department.
Your new role

• Manage, mentor, and support the development of the NPD Team.
• Deputise for the Head of NPD as required, supporting leadership continuity across the department.
• Develop new recipes in collaboration with the Head of NPD, both internally and with flavour houses, in response to customer briefs.
• Translate market trends into commercially viable concepts, both for branded projects and proactive customer proposals.
• Adapt recipes to meet factory requirements and support the scale-up and optimisation of manufacturing processes.
• Manage multiple product development projects from concept through to launch, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to specification.
• Create and maintain detailed project timelines (critical paths) to drive accountability and transparency across departments.
• Coordinate and manage all product trials and first productions, ensuring successful handover to operations.
• Liaise effectively with internal teams, including operations, technical, supply chain, and commercial, throughout the development process.
• Lead and facilitate cross-functional meetings (e.g. Liquid Meetings) to align project stakeholders and track progress.
• Attend and contribute to customer and supplier meetings, responding to queries and supporting ongoing development projects.
• Present new product concepts and final developments to customers.
• Write and approve finished product specifications in accordance with customer and legal requirements.
• Review and approve product artworks, ensuring they are accurate and compliant.
• Support the supplier and raw material approval process where necessary.
• Conduct regular benchmarking and research into market trends, emerging ingredients, and evolving consumer preferences.
• Use insight to inform NPD pipeline planning and inspire new concept creation.

What you'll need to succeed

• 5+ years' experience in a development role
• Level 4 HACCP and Level 4 Food Safety within Manufacturing qualifications
• Strong attention to detail
• Experience of working with retailers and/or brands.
• Be able to prioritise where applicable and work to deadlines.

What you'll get in return

• 31 days annual leave including bank holidays.
• Additional leave with service milestones (up to 4 extra days).
• Healthcare cash plan.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Financial wellbeing app with access to professional coaching.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• Up to 10 days company sick pay annually.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)

Product Development Manager 

Consumer, Retail, Chemical, Pest Control 

Droitwich (Hybrid / Remote Working) 

Competitive Salary Plus Bonus and Benefits 

Are you ready to take your career to the next level with an exciting opportunity in product innovation? This company is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Product Development Manager to join their team. In this role, you'll have the chance to shape the future of products in key markets, including agriculture, retail, and pest control. If you're passionate about strategy, creativity, and delivering exceptional results, this could be the perfect role for you.

As a Product Development Manager you will:

• Define the product vision, strategy, and roadmap to align with business goals and market opportunities.
• Conduct in-depth market research to understand customer needs, trends, and competitor offerings.
• Manage the entire product development process, from concept to launch, ensuring a seamless journey.
• Collaborate across departments, including sales, regulatory, marketing, and supply chain, to deliver successful products.
• Track product performance, gather user feedback, and identify areas for continuous improvement.
• Drive innovation by identifying opportunities for new products and developing disruptive solutions.

 Within this role the Product Development Manager will bring:

• A proactive mindset with a strong sense of responsibility and excellent communication skills.
• Exceptional analytical abilities and a keen eye for detail.
• Creativity and curiosity to explore new possibilities and challenge the status quo.
• Experience in product development, market research, or a similar role ideally within consumer, retail and/or pest control environment. 
• The ability to work autonomously while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams.

 This role plays a vital part in the company's mission to deliver innovative solutions that meet market needs and exceed customer expectations. By driving the development of new products and ensuring compliance with industry standards, you'll contribute to the company's growth and long-term success.

Location:

This role is based out of their new facility in Droitwich but will offer hybrid/remote working subject to the individual, offering an excellent opportunity to work in a vibrant and supportive environment.

Interested?:

If you're ready to make a real impact as a Product Development Manager , don't wait! Apply today and take the first step towards an exciting new chapter in your career.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.

Product Development Manager 

Consumer, Retail, Chemical, Pest Control 

Droitwich (Hybrid / Remote Working) 

Competitive Salary Plus Bonus and Benefits 

Are you ready to take your career to the next level with an exciting opportunity in product innovation? This company is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Product Development Manager to join their team. In this role, you'll have the chance to shape the future of products in key markets, including agriculture, retail, and pest control. If you're passionate about strategy, creativity, and delivering exceptional results, this could be the perfect role for you.

As a Product Development Manager you will:

• Define the product vision, strategy, and roadmap to align with business goals and market opportunities.
• Conduct in-depth market research to understand customer needs, trends, and competitor offerings.
• Manage the entire product development process, from concept to launch, ensuring a seamless journey.
• Collaborate across departments, including sales, regulatory, marketing, and supply chain, to deliver successful products.
• Track product performance, gather user feedback, and identify areas for continuous improvement.
• Drive innovation by identifying opportunities for new products and developing disruptive solutions.

 Within this role the Product Development Manager will bring:

• A proactive mindset with a strong sense of responsibility and excellent communication skills.
• Exceptional analytical abilities and a keen eye for detail.
• Creativity and curiosity to explore new possibilities and challenge the status quo.
• Experience in product development, market research, or a similar role ideally within consumer, retail and/or pest control environment. 
• The ability to work autonomously while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams.

 This role plays a vital part in the company's mission to deliver innovative solutions that meet market needs and exceed customer expectations. By driving the development of new products and ensuring compliance with industry standards, you'll contribute to the company's growth and long-term success.

Location:

This role is based out of their new facility in Droitwich but will offer hybrid/remote working subject to the individual, offering an excellent opportunity to work in a vibrant and supportive environment.

Interested?:

If you're ready to make a real impact as a Product Development Manager , don't wait! Apply today and take the first step towards an exciting new chapter in your career.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.

Your new company
Hays are delighted to be working closely with this exceptional manufacturing success story. One, that, over the last 15 years, has continued to go from strength to strength. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic and collaborative team, where you'll play a key role in the day-to-day leadership of the NPD (New Product Development) department.
Your new role

• Manage, mentor, and support the development of the NPD Team.
• Deputise for the Head of NPD as required, supporting leadership continuity across the department.
• Develop new recipes in collaboration with the Head of NPD, both internally and with flavour houses, in response to customer briefs.
• Translate market trends into commercially viable concepts, both for branded projects and proactive customer proposals.
• Adapt recipes to meet factory requirements and support the scale-up and optimisation of manufacturing processes.
• Manage multiple product development projects from concept through to launch, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to specification.
• Create and maintain detailed project timelines (critical paths) to drive accountability and transparency across departments.
• Coordinate and manage all product trials and first productions, ensuring successful handover to operations.
• Liaise effectively with internal teams, including operations, technical, supply chain, and commercial, throughout the development process.
• Lead and facilitate cross-functional meetings (e.g. Liquid Meetings) to align project stakeholders and track progress.
• Attend and contribute to customer and supplier meetings, responding to queries and supporting ongoing development projects.
• Present new product concepts and final developments to customers.
• Write and approve finished product specifications in accordance with customer and legal requirements.
• Review and approve product artworks, ensuring they are accurate and compliant.
• Support the supplier and raw material approval process where necessary.
• Conduct regular benchmarking and research into market trends, emerging ingredients, and evolving consumer preferences.
• Use insight to inform NPD pipeline planning and inspire new concept creation.

What you'll need to succeed

• 5+ years' experience in a development role
• Level 4 HACCP and Level 4 Food Safety within Manufacturing qualifications
• Strong attention to detail
• Experience of working with retailers and/or brands.
• Be able to prioritise where applicable and work to deadlines.

What you'll get in return

• 31 days annual leave including bank holidays.
• Additional leave with service milestones (up to 4 extra days).
• Healthcare cash plan.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Financial wellbeing app with access to professional coaching.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• Up to 10 days company sick pay annually.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)

The Company

This is an exciting opportunity to join a leading food manufacturer producing innovative chilled products for UK customers. Highly ambitious and passionate about great food, they’re now looking for an experienced Product Development Manager to join their dynamic team.

The Role

In this creative role, you’ll lead the development of both new and existing products, managing critical paths from concept through to launch while ensuring technical and quality standards are met.

Working closely with the site’s dedicated Development Chef, you’ll help bring exciting new ideas to life, drawing on current trends and category insights to strengthen the existing range.

You’ll be the key point of contact for retail customers from day one, presenting new concepts, updating them on project progress, and ensuring expectations around budget, innovation, and product quality are consistently delivered.

You’ll also collaborate cross-functionally with technical and operations teams to keep NPD and EPD projects aligned with business standards.

In addition, you'll manage a small team, supporting day-to-day coordination, nurturing their growth, and mapping out development and training plans.

The Person

We’re looking for a hands-on NPD Manager or Senior Product Developer with a degree in food science (or similar) and a strong track record of launching products from concept to shelf in UK food manufacturing.

Experience managing critical paths and working with major UK retailers is essential.

You’ll bring excellent communication and project management skills, a keen eye for emerging trends, and a genuine passion for delicious food.

If you’re a foodie at heart with a flair for innovation and ready for your next challenge, apply today or call Kimia on 0345 2600 737 / 07700 137 110 for a confidential chat.

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Ref: L6880

Due to the large number of applications our opportunities attract, it sometimes takes us time to thoroughly review and consider them all. We endeavour to respond to every application within 5 working days, however if you have not heard from us within this timeframe, we are sorry to say your application for the role has not been successful. To support you in showcasing your best self, we make sure that any necessary accommodations, whether physical or non-physical, are provided to assist you throughout the job application and interview process.

Also, please note that we are only able to accept and respond to applications from candidates with eligibility to work in the UK and those who hold valid work visas.

Product Development Manager (12-Month Maternity Cover)

Location: Brighton, UK (with some travel)

Contract: 12-month maternity cover

We’re looking for a talented and driven Product Development Manager to take the lead in bringing new locations to this client’s portfolio across the globe.

This is a central, strategic role within the business – ideal for someone with a passion for travel and innovation, a flair for product creation, and the ability to balance commercial, guest, and brand needs.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading the end-to-end development of new trips and product concepts – from idea to launch.
• Collaborating with the Head of Product to identify growth opportunities and drive strategic planning.
• Conducting market research and competitor analysis to stay ahead of trends and customer expectations.
• Working closely with suppliers, building strong partnerships, and overseeing contracts and onboarding.
• Managing the new product development team and working cross-functionally with Marketing, Commercial, and Operations.
• Ensuring a consistent, high-quality guest experience across all new and existing trips.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in product development within the adventure travel or tour operator industry.
• Proven track record of managing supplier relationships and commercial negotiations.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.
• A detail-focused, adaptable mindset with strong creative problem-solving abilities.
• Passion for adventure travel

Sound like the perfect fit?

Apply now - contact Lisa or Marie directly.

Beauty Works retails luxury hair solutions, including ready to wear clip-ins, semi-permanent professional extensions and exclusive collaborations. Our hair extensions, aftercare products and electrical stylers have earned recognition amongst the beauty press and up and down the red carpet. Beauty Works operates internationally to both to salon professional and directly to consumers and is owned by a Beauty Industry Group based in Salt Lake City and has the largest share of the hair extensions market in the world.

Job Summary

The Product Development Manager – Wet Line & Electricals is responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of Beauty Works’ wet line and electrical product ranges, from initial concept through to final launch. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving product innovation, managing supplier relationships, maintaining critical timelines, and ensuring all products meet our quality standards and brand expectations.The role requires someone who is proactive, detail-oriented professional with a strong background in the Hair & Beauty industry, particularly within wet line and electrical product development. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in sourcing, product testing, and quality assurance, along with a creative mindset and the ability to manage multiple projects across cross-functional teams.

Role Outline & responsibilities

• Support the Product and Creative Director specifically across wet line and electrical categories within the Beauty Works portfolio.
• Lead and manage the product development process from concept to launch, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality standards.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams—Marketing, eCommerce, Graphics, Finance and Sales—to align product launches with brand strategy and market demands.
• Conduct ongoing market research to track trends, consumer needs, and competitor activity, providing strategic input into product development.
• Build and manage the critical path for all projects, liaising with suppliers and internal teams to resolve issues and drive progress.
• Develop and maintain detailed product specifications and technical documentation; ensure updates are communicated clearly across relevant teams.
• Source and manage relationships with global suppliers for wet line and electrical products, negotiating favourable costs to achieve margin targets.
• Present product concepts, costings, and timelines to the Product & Creative Director and the Senior Management Team in the UK and US.
• Provide regular updates during product development meetings and contribute to strategic planning discussions for the UK and US markets.
• Coordinate directly with manufacturers and suppliers across time zones to ensure efficient production timelines and address any development issues promptly.
• Plan and execute testing protocols for both product performance and packaging across wet line and electrical ranges.
• Ensure timely arrival of all samples for internal review by Marketing, Sales, Graphics, and eCommerce teams.
• Document and communicate testing outcomes, ensuring compliance with quality expectations and storing records for future reference.
• Work in collaboration with the Quality Control team to perform periodic reviews of product consistency and maintain standards across all batches and suppliers.
• Ensure accurate sample archiving and maintain a well-organized product development workspace.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of products including development, SKU optimization, and performance analysis to inform rationalization and future strategy.

Key Skills

• 3-5 years of product management experience (preferred)
• Strong project management skills with exceptional organisational abilities
• Proven experience in supplier relationship management, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively to drive product development
• Strong documentation skills, with attention to detail
• Experience in product lifecycle management
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods and procedures
• Familiarity with the company’s current product range and future concepts
• Experience with quality assurance processes
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly advanced Excel (Pivot Tables, V-LookUp, Formulas, etc.), as well as NetSuite, PLM, PDM, and database management
• Willingness to travel internationally as required
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks effectively

Baked Product Development Manager  

Billingham (Home of McCoy’s, pombear and more…) 

Hybrid

Join our snack-loving team! We're looking for a  Baked Product   Development Manager  to join our team at KP Snacks. Fancy being part of a group where your ideas matter and your growth is celebrated? Keep reading – this might just be your next adventure! 

This role reflects our increased innovation focus on our baked snacks portfolio as part of KP Snacks’ long-term growth ambitions.

You’ll bring specialist knowledge of baked goods/crackers/biscuits and lead the development and improvement of products from concept through to commercialisation. Alongside this technical focus, you’ll play a key role within our UK R&D leadership team, to further enhance our R&D tools and processes, driving technical excellence with technical agility.

Reporting directly into our Head of R&D, you'll partner with cross-functional teams across KP and the wider Intersnack Group, including marketing and consumer insights, supply chain, procurement and suppliers/academia, whilst ultimately be a critical member of our One R&D Intersnack Community.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with solid R&D experience within a reputable FMCG organisation, with passion and knowledge in baked categories, with a genuine desire to help develop and influence our wider R&D capability.

What’s in it for you?   

We believe in giving back and making sure you're happy and thriving. Here's a taste of what we offer: 

• Annual bonus scheme, with an excellent track record of over achievement.

• £6000 car cash allowance

• Comprehensive Healthcare Support – Access to a Medicash Health Cash Plan or Private Healthcare, including a Digital GP service, Best Doctors (Second Medical Opinion Service), and specialist Cancer Care for peace of mind when you need it most.

• KP Pension Plan - contribution matching up to 7% of your salary

• 25 days holiday + holiday buy scheme 

• KP4ME - online benefits, discounts, prizes, competitions and information platform with access to mental, physical and financial wellbeing information and tools 

What will you be doing?  

• Lead the development of baked snacks projects
  You'll be responsible for developing and commercialising new baked snacks across our UK brands. This will include recipe formulation, benchtop development, scale-up planning, and overseeing trials at factory level, ensuring every product meets our quality, safety, and brand standards.

• Deliver projects with technical excellence and agility
  You’ll design and lead robust experimental plans, from bench to scale with strong focus on data-led decision-making, and help embed R&D best practice via enhanced tools and processes. You’ll ensure product designs are factory-ready and transitioned smoothly into production using our P2M and MoPD  stage gate processes.

• Collaborate across KP and the wider Intersnack network
  Partner closely with colleagues in manufacturing, marketing, procurement, and our Intersnack flavour team, you’ll ensure projects are technically sound and commercially viable. You’ll also be an active contributor to the Baked Community of Practice, sharing insights and championing technical innovation.

• Develop yourself and others
  As a member of the UK R&D Leadership team, your contributions will influence the overall UK R&D agenda, and you will be one of our champions to nurture R&D talent across our organisation.

Who are we?   

Glad you asked! We're KP Snacks, proud to be part of the Intersnack family. Picture this: over 15,000 of us, spread across more than 30 countries, all working together to create the snacks you love. From Hula Hoops to McCoy's, we're the team behind your favourite munchies. 

Here in the UK, we're about 2,400 strong, spread across seven factories and our Slough HQ. But don't let our size fool you – we're as close-knit as they come. We believe in speaking our minds, celebrating our differences, and pushing boundaries together. 

Diversity isn't just a buzzword for us.  We're on a mission to create a workplace where everyone belongs. So, even if you don't tick every box, we want to hear from you! Your unique perspective could be just what we need. Also, if there's anything we can do to make this process easier for you, just give us a shout. 

We’d love to hear from you if you can demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience:  

• FMCG Baked expertise : Several years experience in developing baked goods (e.g. crackers, biscuits) with a strong understanding of ingredients, processes, and functionality.

• STEM qualification : A degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or another STEM discipline; relevant certifications or project management training are a plus.

• Strong technical skills : Confident designing and running experiments, analysing data, and writing reports to support R&D decision-making.

• Project delivery in FMCG : Proven track record of managing  and delivering a portfolio of projects and programs within a fast-paced environment.

• Leadership/collaborative mindset : Natural affinity to lead, engage, and coach others, sharing best practice, and contributing to a positive, continuous improvement culture.

#LI-SC1 #LI-Hybrid

Baked Product Development Manager  

Billingham (Home of McCoy’s, pombear and more…) 

Hybrid

Join our snack-loving team! We're looking for a  Baked Product   Development Manager  to join our team at KP Snacks. Fancy being part of a group where your ideas matter and your growth is celebrated? Keep reading – this might just be your next adventure! 

This role reflects our increased innovation focus on our baked snacks portfolio as part of KP Snacks’ long-term growth ambitions.

You’ll bring specialist knowledge of baked goods/crackers/biscuits and lead the development and improvement of products from concept through to commercialisation. Alongside this technical focus, you’ll play a key role within our UK R&D leadership team, to further enhance our R&D tools and processes, driving technical excellence with technical agility.

Reporting directly into our Head of R&D, you'll partner with cross-functional teams across KP and the wider Intersnack Group, including marketing and consumer insights, supply chain, procurement and suppliers/academia, whilst ultimately be a critical member of our One R&D Intersnack Community.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with solid R&D experience within a reputable FMCG organisation, with passion and knowledge in baked categories, with a genuine desire to help develop and influence our wider R&D capability.

What’s in it for you?   

We believe in giving back and making sure you're happy and thriving. Here's a taste of what we offer: 

• Annual bonus scheme, with an excellent track record of over achievement.

• £6000 car cash allowance

• Comprehensive Healthcare Support – Access to a Medicash Health Cash Plan or Private Healthcare, including a Digital GP service, Best Doctors (Second Medical Opinion Service), and specialist Cancer Care for peace of mind when you need it most.

• KP Pension Plan - contribution matching up to 7% of your salary

• 25 days holiday + holiday buy scheme 

• KP4ME - online benefits, discounts, prizes, competitions and information platform with access to mental, physical and financial wellbeing information and tools 

What will you be doing?  

• Lead the development of baked snacks projects
  You'll be responsible for developing and commercialising new baked snacks across our UK brands. This will include recipe formulation, benchtop development, scale-up planning, and overseeing trials at factory level, ensuring every product meets our quality, safety, and brand standards.

• Deliver projects with technical excellence and agility
  You’ll design and lead robust experimental plans, from bench to scale with strong focus on data-led decision-making, and help embed R&D best practice via enhanced tools and processes. You’ll ensure product designs are factory-ready and transitioned smoothly into production using our P2M and MoPD  stage gate processes.

• Collaborate across KP and the wider Intersnack network
  Partner closely with colleagues in manufacturing, marketing, procurement, and our Intersnack flavour team, you’ll ensure projects are technically sound and commercially viable. You’ll also be an active contributor to the Baked Community of Practice, sharing insights and championing technical innovation.

• Develop yourself and others
  As a member of the UK R&D Leadership team, your contributions will influence the overall UK R&D agenda, and you will be one of our champions to nurture R&D talent across our organisation.

Who are we?   

Glad you asked! We're KP Snacks, proud to be part of the Intersnack family. Picture this: over 15,000 of us, spread across more than 30 countries, all working together to create the snacks you love. From Hula Hoops to McCoy's, we're the team behind your favourite munchies. 

Here in the UK, we're about 2,400 strong, spread across seven factories and our Slough HQ. But don't let our size fool you – we're as close-knit as they come. We believe in speaking our minds, celebrating our differences, and pushing boundaries together. 

Diversity isn't just a buzzword for us.  We're on a mission to create a workplace where everyone belongs. So, even if you don't tick every box, we want to hear from you! Your unique perspective could be just what we need. Also, if there's anything we can do to make this process easier for you, just give us a shout. 

We’d love to hear from you if you can demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience:  

• FMCG Baked expertise : Several years experience in developing baked goods (e.g. crackers, biscuits) with a strong understanding of ingredients, processes, and functionality.

• STEM qualification : A degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or another STEM discipline; relevant certifications or project management training are a plus.

• Strong technical skills : Confident designing and running experiments, analysing data, and writing reports to support R&D decision-making.

• Project delivery in FMCG : Proven track record of managing  and delivering a portfolio of projects and programs within a fast-paced environment.

• Leadership/collaborative mindset : Natural affinity to lead, engage, and coach others, sharing best practice, and contributing to a positive, continuous improvement culture.

#LI-SC1 #LI-Hybrid