Senior Product Manager | Foods | Dorset (Hybrid)
NPD | Product Development | FMCG | Food Manufacturing | Retail
Dovetail Recruitment are supporting the search for a Senior Product Manager within a fast-paced FMCG food manufacturing environment. This role focuses on developing own-label food products for major UK retailers, giving you the opportunity to shape categories, respond to food trends, and bring innovative products to market quickly.
You’ll take full ownership of the product development lifecycle, working across concept creation, recipe development, formulation, and launch. With a strong focus on health, nutrition, and emerging ingredients, this is a broad, end-to-end NPD role offering real variety and impact.
Working closely with technical, commercial, sourcing, and supply chain teams, you’ll operate in a collaborative and agile environment where decisions are made quickly and ideas can be tested and delivered without unnecessary layers. The role also offers direct exposure to retailers, with opportunities to influence innovation strategy and build long-term customer relationships.
Key Responsibilities:• Lead New Product Development (NPD) projects from concept through to launch
• Manage product development, including food formulation and recipe optimisation
• Own project timelines, critical paths, and launch delivery
• Deliver customer presentations, product tastings, and benchmarking
• Use consumer insights, market data, and food trends to drive innovation
• Work closely with suppliers and attend UK/EU trade shows
• Collaborate cross-functionally across technical, commercial, and supply chain teams
Experience Required:• 5+ years’ experience in NPD, Product Development, or Food Innovation
• Background in FMCG, food manufacturing, or retail/own-label supply
• Strong knowledge of food formulation, ingredients, and sensory evaluation
• Proven project management and critical path management skills
• Experience working with retailers or presenting to customers
• Good commercial awareness (costings, pricing, margins)
Benefits:• Annual salary reviews
• 25 days holiday (rising to 30 with service) + option to buy more
• Flexible working and hybrid options
• Free parking
• Medical cash plan + mental health support
• Bonus scheme
• Enhanced maternity & paternity leave
• Generous company sick pay
• Pension contribution
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Social events and team activities
• Learning, development, and progression opportunities
Dorset (Hybrid)
Apply now or contact Dovetail Recruitment for more information
Summary: Senior Product Manager / NPD Manager role within FMCG and food manufacturing, focused on product development, food formulation, innovation, project management, and retail-facing delivery.