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
- 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
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.
