Process Development Manager- Fixed Term Contract

Process Development Manager- Fixed Term Contract 1 year

Salary: £45,000-£60,000

Location: London

Overview of Client and Role

Our client is a well-established food manufacturing business with a strong focus on innovation, quality, and continuous improvement. They are seeking a Process Development Manager to lead and execute process development projects with a highly hands-on approach.

This role is as much about managing and developing the team as it is about owning projects . You will be on the ground in the factory, driving results through direct involvement, ensuring smooth product launches and continuous improvement across manufacturing processes.

The Innovation team manages Stages 1–2 of projects, with the Process Development Manager taking full ownership from Stage 3–5, where projects become operationally critical.

Working pattern:

· 40 hours per week

· 4 days on-site / 1 day working from home

· Flexible start time, with increased WFH opportunity as the role progresses

Skills Required for Process Development Manager

· Proven experience in Process Development or NPD within food manufacturing

· Solid technical knowledge of food manufacturing processes and preservation techniques

· Experience working with BECPG or similar specification systems, with a CI mindset

· Confident people management skills with the ability to mentor and develop teams

The Process Development Manager Will Benefit From:

· A hands-on, influential role with real ownership of projects and outcomes

· Working within a collaborative innovation-led manufacturing environment

· Flexible working hours and evolving hybrid working options

· Opportunities to lead varied projects (foodservice and retail)

· Career development within a growing and forward-thinking business

Duties of a Process Development Manager:

· Lead and manage end-to-end process development projects from approved kitchen sample to product launch

· Take ownership of Stages 3–5, managing the critical path and resolving issues as they arise

· Upscale recipes from kitchen to factory scale, reviewing costings, labour, and process efficiency

· Actively participate in factory trials, validations, and production runs

· Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and scalability

· Work closely with Process Development Technologists, Specification Technologists, and cross-functional teams including Innovation, Technical, Operations, and Production

· Provide mentorship and support to junior team members, identifying training gaps

· Liaise with suppliers, technical leads, and production teams to ensure smooth execution

· Act as an active member of the HSAP team, supporting food safety and compliance initiatives

· Confidently escalate risks and issues when required

Experience Required:

· Demonstrable experience leading process development or NPD projects

· Management or team leadership experience

· Minimum HSAP Level 3 qualification

· Strong understanding of HCAP / food safety systems

· Experience with EPD or evidence-based technical projects

· Proven ability to manage multiple projects of varying duration and complexity

Benefits:

· Competitive salary

· Flexible working hours

· Hybrid working model

· Career development and progression opportunities

· Supportive and collaborative working environment

Commutable from: London and surrounding areas

If you are interested in this role and feel that you have the right skills, then please click apply at the bottom of this advert.

For further details, contact Emma Newbury at Pioneer Selection.

As a registered candidate with Pioneer Selection Ltd, you automatically become eligible for our referral scheme.

You will receive £250 for every candidate we place in permanent employment who has been recommended by you. Terms and Conditions apply – please see our website for further details.