NPD (New Product Development) Manager - Great British Confectionery Group (Montezuma’s Chocolates and Bristows of Devon)
Location: On site at Birdham near Chichester.


Create, Innovate, and Bring Sweet Ideas to Life
Step into a world where creativity runs wild, ideas turn into reality, and every product has the potential to become a fan favourite. As our NPD Manager, you’ll lead the creation of exciting new confectionery, from original concepts to licensed brand collaborations,delivering products that surprise, delight, and dominate the shelf.
This is where imagination meets execution.


Your Mission: Turn ideas into irresistible products
You’ll take full ownership of the development lifecycle, using the GATE process to transform concepts into commercially successful, high-quality products. Whether it’s a completely new in-house creation or a product inspired by a globally recognised brand, you’ll make it happen.
What you’ll be doing
Big Ideas, No Limits!
*Lead the development of both original and licensed confectionery products, pushing boundaries on flavour, format, and fun.
*Turn consumer trends and insights into innovative, shelf-ready products.
*Create products that are memorable, shareable, and crave-worthy.
Own It from Concept to Launch
*Manage multiple NPD projects end-to-end, balancing creativity with commercial delivery.
*Build and drive project plans, owning timelines, budgets, and resources.
*Keep momentum high, solving challenges and unlocking opportunities along the way.
Collaborate to create something bigger
*Work closely with Marketing, Sales, Technical, and Operations to bring ideas to life.
*Partner with external stakeholders including licensors where relevant to ensure every product hits the mark.
*Be the central voice that keeps everything aligned and moving forward.
Get the details right
*Develop and manage accurate product specifications, ensuring compliance with BRC, internal standards, and customer requirements.
*Oversee technical documentation and ensure smooth product approvals and sign-offs.
Make it real
*Lead factory trials and pilot runs, analysing results and refining products for scale.
*Work closely with Production to ensure products are efficient to manufacture without losing their magic.
Bring the Energy to Customers
*Present new concepts with confidence, excitement, and clarity.
*Turn feedback into even stronger, more compelling products.
Keep Improving, Keep Winning
*Track performance post-launch and feed learnings back into future innovation.
*Continuously improve processes to make NPD faster, smarter, and more impactful.


Why This Role Stands Out
*A unique mix of original innovation and licensed brand development.
*The chance to create products that people genuinely get excited about.
*A fast-paced, creative environment where ideas turn into reality quickly.
Real ownership and influence across the entire product lifecycle.