COREcruitment

New Product Development Manager

About the Business

My client is a fast-growing hospitality group operating across multiple QSR concepts.

With a centralised head office in South London and a fully integrated supply chain, they take pride in controlling every aspect of our product development and delivery process.

This role sits within their dedicated Product and Innovation function and plays a crucial role in the continued growth and relevance of our dessert-led flagship brand.

Role Overview

They are looking for a New Product Development Manager to lead the creation, optimisation, and commercial evaluation of menu items with a strong focus on desserts and beverages.

You will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of products, from concept through to market launch, and expected to be hands-on in the kitchen and lab from day one.

Reporting directly to the founder, this is a highly strategic and operational role with real influence on business performance and customer experience.

Key Responsibilities


  • Lead Bi-Annual Menu Development: Drive updates to the menu every six months, creating new food and drink offerings aligned with seasonal trends and consumer preferences.
  • Manage Full Product Lifecycle: Evaluate existing menu items, remove underperforming SKUs, and introduce high-performing, profitable alternatives.
  • Innovation with Commercial Focus: Balance creativity and customer appeal with strong cost control and operational feasibility.
  • Ensure Compliance: Manage allergen information, calorie counts, and meet all legal and nutritional compliance requirements.
  • Trend & Consumer Insight: Build a deep understanding of consumer preferences, especially females aged 15–35 and Gen Z customers.
  • Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work closely with teams in marketing, operations, and supply chain, as well as external suppliers and manufacturing partners.
  • Supplier Engagement: Manage and build strong supplier relationships to ensure quality ingredients and efficient sourcing.

What Success Looks Like


  • Successful launch and performance of new menu items
  • Improved profitability across product range
  • High levels of innovation and Gen Z engagement
  • Seamless operational rollout of new products
  • Reduction of low-performing or outdated menu items

About You


  • Experienced in NPD, ideally within QSR or Restaurant environments
  • Comfortable working hands-on in kitchen/lab settings
  • Highly creative but commercially grounded
  • Strong understanding of product costing, margin management, and operational delivery
  • Familiar with food trends, customer insights, and consumer psychology
  • Excellent communicator and collaborative team player
  • Passion for food, innovation, and fast-paced environments

What’s on Offer


  • Competitive base salary: £43,000–£47,000 depending on experience
  • Statutory pension and enhanced healthcare coverage
  • Flexible and field-based working structure
  • Travel expenses covered for trips outside London



  • Start: ASAP
  • Duration: Permanent
  • Rate: £43k - 47k per year + .
  • Location: Croydon, Greater London, England
  • Type: Permanent
  • Industry: Design
  • Recruiter: COREcruitment
  • Tel: 02077902666
  • Email: to view click here
  • Reference: GS999902501
  • Posted: 2025-08-08 11:47:15 -

  • View all Jobs from COREcruitment


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