Product Development Manager
| Posting date: | 23 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | 50,000 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 25 March 2026 |
| Location: | Redhill, RH1 3AS |
| Company: | The Compleat Food Group |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 1648 |
Summary
Job Advert
Product Development Manager
Redhill (Hybrid available) | Extensive Travel Required
£50,000 + £5,400 Car Allowance + 10% Bonus
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and driven Product Development Manager to lead the successful delivery of food product development
projects from concept through to launch.
Reporting to the Head of Product & Quality, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, commercially viable products
aligned with strategic objectives and customer expectations. This role is based in Redhill, with regular travel to manufacturing
sites and customer locations.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and deliver customer briefs across allocated accounts, brands, or sites, ensuring projects are completed on time and in
line with KPIs.
* Ensure all product development aligns with company strategy, customer requirements, and financial margin targets.
* Act as the primary contact for both internal and external stakeholders, building strong and proactive relationships.
* Lead the team through the full product launch process, ensuring both technical feasibility and commercial viability.
* Work closely with Insight and Category teams to develop and deliver innovation pipeline plans aligned to long-term strategy.
* Monitor market trends and competitor activity to maintain category leadership.
* Source and approve new raw materials and finished products from suppliers.
* Oversee accurate project tracking, reporting, and budget delivery for NPD.
* Contribute to ESG and sustainability initiatives within product development.
* Support annual R&D tax claims.
* Manage team performance and development in line with company frameworks.
* Act as the ‘go-to’ NPD contact for the home site, providing product expertise and sign-off support.
Food Safety, Quality & Compliance
* Ensure full compliance with all food safety, hygiene, quality, and integrity standards.
* Adhere to company Health, Safety & Environmental policies across all sites.
* Maintain compliance with UK and European food regulations.
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Qualifications
* Food-related degree (desirable).
* Minimum 3 years’ experience in retail or FMCG product development.
* Strong understanding of the end-to-end product launch process.
Skills & Competencies
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Strong project management and organisational ability.
* Commercial awareness and confident financial understanding.
* Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail.
* Knowledge of UK and European food legislation.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office (Recipe Professor desirable).
* Full UK driving licence (essential).
Personal Attributes
* Passion for high-quality, innovative food.
* Confident problem-solver with a proactive approach.
* Ability to balance customer focus with commercial priorities.
Why Join Us?
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:
Financial & Lifestyle Benefits
* Competitive Car Allowance
* Company Bonus Scheme recognising performance and contribution
* 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
* Holiday Discounts via our online retail platform
* 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
Health & Wellbeing
* 24/7 access to GroceryAid 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
Career Growth & Development
* 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
Community & Culture
* 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
About The Compleat Food Group
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
create Food 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.
Product Development Manager
Redhill (Hybrid available) | Extensive Travel Required
£50,000 + £5,400 Car Allowance + 10% Bonus
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and driven Product Development Manager to lead the successful delivery of food product development
projects from concept through to launch.
Reporting to the Head of Product & Quality, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, commercially viable products
aligned with strategic objectives and customer expectations. This role is based in Redhill, with regular travel to manufacturing
sites and customer locations.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and deliver customer briefs across allocated accounts, brands, or sites, ensuring projects are completed on time and in
line with KPIs.
* Ensure all product development aligns with company strategy, customer requirements, and financial margin targets.
* Act as the primary contact for both internal and external stakeholders, building strong and proactive relationships.
* Lead the team through the full product launch process, ensuring both technical feasibility and commercial viability.
* Work closely with Insight and Category teams to develop and deliver innovation pipeline plans aligned to long-term strategy.
* Monitor market trends and competitor activity to maintain category leadership.
* Source and approve new raw materials and finished products from suppliers.
* Oversee accurate project tracking, reporting, and budget delivery for NPD.
* Contribute to ESG and sustainability initiatives within product development.
* Support annual R&D tax claims.
* Manage team performance and development in line with company frameworks.
* Act as the ‘go-to’ NPD contact for the home site, providing product expertise and sign-off support.
Food Safety, Quality & Compliance
* Ensure full compliance with all food safety, hygiene, quality, and integrity standards.
* Adhere to company Health, Safety & Environmental policies across all sites.
* Maintain compliance with UK and European food regulations.
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Qualifications
* Food-related degree (desirable).
* Minimum 3 years’ experience in retail or FMCG product development.
* Strong understanding of the end-to-end product launch process.
Skills & Competencies
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Strong project management and organisational ability.
* Commercial awareness and confident financial understanding.
* Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail.
* Knowledge of UK and European food legislation.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office (Recipe Professor desirable).
* Full UK driving licence (essential).
Personal Attributes
* Passion for high-quality, innovative food.
* Confident problem-solver with a proactive approach.
* Ability to balance customer focus with commercial priorities.
Why Join Us?
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:
Financial & Lifestyle Benefits
* Competitive Car Allowance
* Company Bonus Scheme recognising performance and contribution
* 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
* Holiday Discounts via our online retail platform
* 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
Health & Wellbeing
* 24/7 access to GroceryAid 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
Career Growth & Development
* 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
Community & Culture
* 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
About The Compleat Food Group
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
create Food 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.