New Product Development Manager

Job Title: New Product Development (NPD) Manager

Location: Kildare

Employment Type: Full-Time, Onsite

Salary: 60K-70K DOE + Benefits

About the Company

Join one of Ireland’s most innovative and fast-growing bakery producers, known for crafting high-quality baked goods that delight retailers, foodservice partners, and consumers nationwide. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for trend-setting products, this business continues to expand its footprint across Ireland and the UK.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a commercially minded and creative NPD Manager who lives and breathes bakery! You’ll be at the forefront of developing new, market-ready products that stand out on supermarket shelves and menus alike. This is a pivotal role that blends culinary innovation with commercial awareness, perfect for someone who thrives in a customer-facing, trend-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of new bakery products – from ideation and concept development through to trials, costings, and product launch.

• Present confidently and passionately to major retail multiples, foodservice partners, and buyers, showcasing new product ranges and seasonal concepts.

• Research and anticipate bakery trends in own label, private label, and branded sectors – both locally and internationally.

• Collaborate closely with commercial, production, and technical teams to ensure feasibility, compliance, and smooth product rollout.

• Own the NPD critical path, managing timelines and ensuring key milestones are met.

• Support customer visits, product samplings, and trade show attendance as required.

About You

• You’re creative, curious, and full of ideas – and you love turning those ideas into real, delicious products.

• You bring 3+ years’ experience in an NPD role, ideally within bakery, patisserie, or ambient/dessert categories.

• You have a strong understanding of the Irish and UK retail landscape and what’s trending in bakery.

• Confident in front of customers – you enjoy presenting and discussing ideas with buying teams.

• A self-starter who can manage multiple projects, adapt to changing priorities, and think on your feet.

• Experience with own label and private label development is a must.

Why Join?

• Work in a values-driven, creative business with a real passion for innovation and quality.

• Be part of a growing, entrepreneurial team where your ideas and contributions matter.

• Exciting exposure to top-tier retailers and an evolving foodservice market.

• Room to grow and shape the future of NPD in an agile and supportive environment.

Ready to rise to the challenge?

If you’re inspired by what’s next in bakery and know how to translate trends into tasty, shelf-ready success stories – we want to hear from you.