Product Research & Development Manager

Product Research & Development ManagerInterim role - 10 month FTCSalary up to £75k DOEFood & Beverage | West London | HybridReady to shape the next big thing in food and drink?If you're the person who spots tomorrow's trends before everyone else, gets excited by turning consumer insight into commercially successful products and loves seeing your ideas land in stores across the UK, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.We're partnering with an iconic, customer-loved brand that's investing heavily in innovation, product development and the future of its food and beverage offer. They're looking for an experienced R&D Manager to lead category innovation, influence business strategy and bring exciting new products to life.This isn't just about launching products. It's about creating ranges customers genuinely love, driving commercial performance and helping shape the future direction of a market-leading brand.What you'll be doing...You'll own the development of your category strategy, balancing creativity with commercial thinking to deliver products that excite customers and deliver real business growth.From identifying emerging trends to working with suppliers on the next big launch, you'll take products from concept through to implementation while ensuring every decision supports the wider brand vision.You'll be:Leading the UK product development strategy across food and beverage categoriesCreating annual category plans covering product, pricing, packaging and distributionUsing customer insight, market trends and competitor analysis to identify growth opportunitiesDriving innovation from idea generation through to successful launchManaging product performance, forecasts and category profitabilityBuilding brilliant relationships with suppliers to develop innovative products and packagingWorking cross-functionally with marketing, operations, finance, procurement, technical and store teams to deliver flawless executionSupporting future equipment and operational development to enhance the customer experienceLeading, coaching and developing a small but talented R&D teamWhat we're looking for...You'll already have experience developing successful food or beverage ranges within a retail, hospitality or FMCG environment.You'll be equally comfortable analysing commercial performance as you are tasting new products or presenting category strategy to senior stakeholders.We're looking for someone who has:Proven experience in category management and product developmentA strong commercial mindset with a track record of delivering category growthExperience taking products from concept through to launchA genuine passion for food, beverage and consumer trendsStrong supplier management and influencing skillsExcellent project management and stakeholder management experienceThe ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on deliveryPrevious people management experienceWhy you'll love it...This is a role where your ideas genuinely matter.You'll have the opportunity to influence product strategy at a national level, work with passionate teams, collaborate with leading suppliers and help create products that millions of customers will enjoy.If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same and you love blending creativity with commercial thinking, we'd love to hear from you.Apply today with your CV or get in touch for a confidential conversation.BH36991TPBN1_UKTJ