Product Development Manager - Food Service

Join Our NPD Team at The Compleat Food Group!

We have a great opportunity for an experienced Product Development Manager to join our fantastic NPD team in Crewe!

Were looking for a dynamic professional to drive the successful on-time delivery of innovative product development this pivotal role youll ensure every product meets the highest quality standards whilst aligning with TCFGs strategic vision and commercial goals. Youll also foster strong positive relationships with both internal teams and external partners paving the way for collaboration and success.

Who We Are:

At The Compleat Food Group were on a mission to create delectable food that not only brings joy to your taste buds but also extends love to our planet. We fondly refer to it as Food to Feel Good because we believe in savouring every bite whilst making a positive impact.

Our team of over c6000 remarkable individuals forms the core of all that we undertake. Their genuine passion drives the creation of delectable products for UK consumers prominent retailers and our thrilling market-leading brands such as Walls Pastry Squeaky Bean and Unearthed.

Working Hours:

The working hours are Monday to Thursday 8.30am 5pm and 8.30am 4pm on Fridays who doesnt love an early finish at the end of the working week

We also offer Hybrid and flexible working.

Your Duties Will Include:

• Accountability for the development for all customer briefs for allocated customer brand or site. Ensuring all KPIs are delivered in line with critical path dates.
• Ensure all development is aligned with TCFG food and customer strategy and meets required financial targets/margin
• Growing and maintaining customer relationships. Lead contact for external stakeholders. Actively identifying and resolving issues
• Lead contact for internal stakeholders and peers.
• Actively identifying continuous improvement of development processes
• Working closely with Insight and Category teams applying food knowledge to develop and deliver the customer/brand development and innovation 3 year pipeline plans in-line with business strategy
• Keeping up to do with market trends and competitor knowledge to maintain our positions as category leader. Supporting benchmarking documentation and presentation
• Lead the team in line with the TCFG Product Launch Process to ensure technical and commercial viability
• Ensure development team are sourcing viable new RMs and finished products from suppliers
• Attending and contributing at relevant meetings to support development from brief through to post-launch review
• All projects to be logged and tracker maintained to allow for accurate and frequent business reporting
• Manage team performance and personal development utilising One Compleat Framework

Your Skills and Experience:

• Food based degree - desirable
• 3 years plus experience in retail or FMCG product development role
• Extensive knowledge of product launch process ideally within FMCG environment
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
• Strong planning organisation and project management skills
• Good analytical and numeracy skills
• Attention to detail
• Good level of computer literacy Word Excel Powerpoint Teams Recipe Professor desirable
• Understanding of UK and European food regulation and legislation
• Driving Licence essential

Benefits:

• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• 2 Employee Volunteering Days per year
• Online and High-street retailer discount scheme
• Employee well-being and community support groups
• Informal and Formal training opportunities with personalised online LMS platform
• Charity Initiatives and Team events
• 24/7 Access to Grocery Aid (Free Financial Emotional and Practical Support)
• Physical Wellbeing Benefits Free on demand exercise hub and various gym discounts
• Online Wellbeing benefits
• Free Financial wellbeing mortgage calculators budget tools financial aid tools
• Holiday Discounts via Online Retail Discount

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 opportunitys employer we provide all the support you need to succeed.

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

Recruitment Agencies:

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 and should we have any roles we need additional support with we will reach out to you.