New Product Development (NPD) Manager
Location: South Faulds Road, Lanark, Lanarkshire, Scotland ML11 7SR
ABOUT US:
Join our deliciously creative team at Border Biscuits, a renowned and leading multi award winning biscuit manufacturer based in the picturesque town of Lanark. With over 40 years of heritage, we craft the finest biscuits using traditional methods and quality ingredients. Our commitment to excellence has earned us numerous awards and a loyal customer base, making Border Biscuits a household name throughout the UK and beyond.
We are looking for a commercially aware and innovative NPD Manager to join our Brand team and lead the development of high-quality, commercially successful products from concept through to launch.
ABOUT YOU:
You will bring strong product development experience, commercial awareness, and the ability to work across customer insight, technical execution, and cross-functional leadership. You will be organised, collaborative and confident balancing strategic thinking with firsthand delivery.
THE ROLE:
Reporting to the Senior Insights & Marketing Manager, the NPD Manager is accountable for leading the full product lifecycle, from identifying market opportunities through to delivering successful product launches. The role sits within the Brand team and works closely with the leadership, sales, finance, procurement, technical, production and the wider operational teams, as well as suppliers and innovation partners.
This role is responsible for shaping product direction, delivering concept-to-launch activity efficiently and to budget, improving product quality and performance, and ensuring compliance, quality and risk management throughout development and improvement activity.
The postholder will also support product improvement initiatives, define and assure critical quality parameters, minimise variation and defects, and contribute to the seamless transfer of products within capital investment plans.
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT:
You will define product vision, positioning, and success measures through the interpretation of consumer and customer insight, while leading cross-functional product development from concept through to launch.
Collaborating closely with internal stakeholders, you will drive product improvement, support go-to-market planning, prepare launch materials and internal communications, and monitor product performance to support continuous improvement.
You will also perform defined duties within the Quality Management System, including Quality Control Points, sensory panels, artwork sign-off, root cause analysis, HACCP participation, and internal auditing.
Success in this role requires strong ownership, good judgement, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced cross-functional environment.
Finally, acting as a brand ambassador, you will represent the business at trade shows, industry events, and forums, enhancing brand visibility and reputation within the OOH and e-commerce sectors.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING:
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Proven experience and success in new product development and product management within food manufacturing or FMCG.
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Strong understanding of product development processes, manufacturing, and food products, supported by scientific and practical knowledge.
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Analytical mindset with commercial awareness, strong project management skills, and the ability to influence across teams.
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Proficient IT skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and other relevant tools.
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A degree or HNC in Food Science, Nutrition or a related discipline would be desirable.
WHAT WE OFFER:
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Permanent, competitive salaried role.
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Opportunities for professional growth and access to development programs to enhance your skills.
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A dynamic and supportive working environment with a friendly team.
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Access to free counselling and support services for personal and professional support.
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Free 24/7 GP helpline.
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Optional salary sacrifice scheme.
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Paid volunteering opportunities within Lanark.
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The opportunity to lead innovation and product improvement activity in a collaborative food manufacturing environment.
If you are excited by the opportunity to lead product innovation in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment, we would love to hear from you.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply for the position of New Product Development (NPD) Manager at Border Biscuits, please submit your application through the relevant recruitment channel.
Applications accepted until the closing date of 31st July 2026. We look forward to hearing from you! Please note that interviews will begin immediately for this role and therefore the role may be filled before the closing date.
At Border Biscuits, we are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further selection stages.
