Head of Product Development

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  • Bray, Co Wicklow
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
Head of NPD & Technical - FMCG - Bray, Co. WicklowA progressive and expanding food business operating within the FMCG sector is seeking an experienced Head of NPD & Technical to join its leadership team. This organisation has built a strong footprint across retail channels and is entering an exciting phase of strategic growth, both domestically and internationally. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping future product direction while embedding best-in-class technical and compliance standards across the supply network.The OpportunityThis is a high-impact leadership role combining strategic innovation, technical oversight, and commercial collaboration. You will take ownership of the product development agenda, ensuring a robust innovation pipeline aligned to consumer trends and retailer requirements, while safeguarding product integrity, compliance, and operational excellence across multiple manufacturing partners. The role requires someone equally comfortable in board-level strategic discussions and detailed technical governance.Core Responsibilities
  • Set and lead the medium-term product innovation vision aligned to business growth objectives
  • Oversee the full product lifecycle from ideation and feasibility through to commercial launch
  • Provide technical leadership across supplier and co-manufacturing partners in Ireland, the UK and Europe
  • Ensure all products meet regulatory, food safety, and quality standards
  • Champion continuous improvement across quality systems and audit readiness
  • Collaborate closely with commercial teams to support retailer engagement and category growth
  • Drive sustainable packaging initiatives and respond proactively to evolving consumer expectations
  • Develop and mentor a high-performing technical and NPD team
  • Contribute to wider strategic planning as a key member of the senior leadership group
Profile Sought
  • Extensive experience (circa 10+ years) within food innovation and technical management in FMCG
  • Demonstrated success delivering commercially viable NPD across multiple food categories
  • Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks, retailer standards, and audit processes
  • Experience working with third-party manufacturing partners across UK/EU markets
  • Commercially astute with exposure to major retail customers
  • Confident leader with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders
  • Strong communicator with the ability to balance strategic thinking and operational detail
The Package
  • Attractive executive-level salary
  • Discretionary Bonus
  • Pension contribution
  • Staff product benefits
  • Flexible working model
  • On-site facilities
  • A values-driven culture with strong growth ambitions
If this role is of interest to you, please feel free to reach out to me at Dean.Kennedy@hireforce.ie. If you know of any friends or colleagues who might suit this role and would like to refer them, you will receive a €250 voucher should we successfully place them.

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