Head of Product Development at Blakeney Point Search & Selection

Job Description:

Latest job information from Blakeney Point Search & Selection for the position of Head of Product Development. If the Head of Product Development vacancy in Somerset matches your qualifications, please submit your latest application or CV directly through the updated Jobkos job portal.

Please note that applying for a job may not always be easy, as new candidates must meet certain qualifications and requirements set by the company. We hope the career opportunity at Blakeney Point Search & Selection for the position of Head of Product Development below matches your qualifications.

HEAD OF NPD

Role Purpose

This is a Head of NPD/ Innovation role

You will Lead the NPD and Process Development function, ensuring projects align with customer needs and business priorities. You will turn innovative concepts into factory-ready products, delivering to agreed standards, on time, and with smooth handover into operations.

This role combines strategic leadership, technical expertise, and project delivery, driving innovation, efficiency, and successful launches across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Development Team.
• Foster collaboration, innovation, and high performance.

Product Development

• Oversee projects from concept to launch.
• Ensure stakeholder alignment and visibility throughout the process.
• Deliver strategic short- and long-term innovation plans.

Project Management

• Create and manage effective critical paths.
• Act as key contact for customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Ensure timely, compliant launches.

Cross-Functional Working

• Partner with Technical, Operations, Supply Chain, Sourcing, and Commercial teams.
• Support development of products, ingredients, packaging, and processes.

Commercial Focus

• Manage costings from concept to post-launch review.
• Track labour and yield efficiencies to validate margins.
• Drive design-for-manufacture improvements.

Customer & Market Insight

• Build strong retailer relationships.
• Present concepts and market-led ideas confidently.
• Apply food trends and formulation expertise to innovation.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead process improvement initiatives.
• Deliver operational efficiencies across new and existing products.

Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field.
• 10+ years in product development or similar.
• 5+ years in an NPD leadership role.
• Experience in chilled, short shelf-life food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of UK retail environment.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent project and people management skills.
• Strong commercial and technical understanding.
• Influential communicator and relationship builder.
• Passion for food innovation and manufacturing.
• Confident presenter with strong IT skills.
• Flexible, UK travel required, full driving licence essential.

Job Info:

• Company: Blakeney Point Search & Selection
• Position: Head of Product Development
• Work Location: Somerset
• Country: GB

How to Submit an Application:

After reading and understanding the criteria and minimum qualification requirements explained in the job information Head of Product Development at the office Somerset above, immediately complete the job application files such as a job application letter, CV, photocopy of diploma, transcript, and other supplements as explained above. Submit via the Next Page link below.