About the Company This global FMCG food business has a strong presence in Australia and continues to invest in innovation and growth across both branded and private label portfolios. With a dedicated innovation centre and a clear ambition to expand its product offering, the business offers a collaborative, fast-paced environment where new ideas are encouraged and brought to life. This is an opportunity to join a business where you can make a genuine impact on product direction and commercial success. About the Role The NPD Manager will lead the innovation pipeline and play a critical role in shaping the future product portfolio. Based within a dedicated innovation centre, this position offers end-to-end ownership from concept creation through to launch and commercialisation. You will operate with a high level of autonomy, driving multiple projects across innovation, renovation, and cost optimisation. Working cross-functionally with operations, quality, marketing, supply chain, and commercial teams, you will ensure ideas move efficiently from insight to shelf. Managing two direct reports, this role requires a hands-on leader who can guide complex projects, make informed decisions, and influence stakeholders across the business. Key Responsibilities Lead end-to-end product development across innovation, reformulation, and cost optimisation projects Manage and mentor a small NPD team, driving performance and development Develop and refine recipes at bench scale, ensuring alignment to sensory, cost, and functional targets Provide technical leadership across formulation, processing, and scale-up challenges Own and drive the Stage-Gate process from concept through to launch and post-launch review Ensure compliance with regulatory, customer, and internal standards Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver projects on time and to a high standard Manage supplier relationships across ingredients, packaging, and processing technologies Represent the business in customer presentations and technical discussions Monitor market trends and competitor activity to inform innovation strategy Skills & Experience Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline 5–8 years’ experience in NPD/R&D within FMCG Proven ability to manage multiple end-to-end projects Strong technical expertise in food product development Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills Passion for food, innovation, and continuous improvement Experience working with suppliers or co-manufacturers (highly regarded) Solid understanding of food labelling, allergens, and food safety standards How to Apply If you’re an experienced NPD professional looking to step into a high-impact role within a growing global FMCG business, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply below or contact Emily Gough at egough@sharpandcarter.com.au.
