Lead end-to-end NPD in FMCG food manufacturing, driving innovation from concept to commercial launch. Lead innovation from concept to commercial success. We are partnering with a well-established and growing FMCG food manufacturer in Melbourne’s South-East to appoint an experienced New Product Development Manager. This is a high-impact role responsible for leading end-to-end product development across new platforms, renovations and optimisation initiatives within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. You will operate at the centre of innovation; influencing pipeline direction, driving commercial outcomes and ensuring products move efficiently from idea through to scale-up and launch. The Role Reporting into senior leadership, you will: Lead full lifecycle NPD from concept, formulation and benchtop development through to factory trials, scale-up and commercial launch Drive innovation and renovation initiatives aligned to portfolio and commercial strategy Manage multiple concurrent projects, ensuring delivery to scope, timeline and budget Lead cross-functional collaboration across Operations, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain, Marketing and Commercial teams Oversee process validation, sensory evaluation and shelf-life programs Ensure compliance with food safety, labelling and regulatory standards Identify opportunities for optimisation, cost improvement and process enhancement Mentor and support technical team members This role requires both strategic thinking and hands-on technical capability, balancing innovation ambition with operational feasibility. About You We are seeking a technically strong and commercially aware NPD professional who brings: 4–8 years’ experience in food NPD / R&D within FMCG manufacturing Proven experience delivering products from concept to commercialisation Strong knowledge of Stage-Gate or structured development processes Experience running factory trials and supporting production readiness Solid understanding of HACCP, food regulation and labelling requirements Confident stakeholder management and influencing capability A proactive, accountable leadership style Experience within chilled, fresh or high-care manufacturing environments will be highly regarded. Why This Role? Visible influence across innovation pipeline and portfolio direction Work closely with manufacturing in a modern on-site facility Genuine ownership of projects from idea to shelf Supportive and collaborative cross-functional culture Competitive salary aligned to capability and experience If you are looking for a role where you can drive innovation, build strong technical foundations and deliver commercially successful food products we would love to hear from you. Should this opportunity be of interest to you click on the APPLY button above or contact Hannah Bulmer at Blackbook Executive on ( if you would like to discuss further. SCR-hannah-bulmer
