Lead innovation from concept to commercial success. We are partnering with a well-established and growing FMCG food manufacturer in Melbourne’s South-East to appoint an experienced New Product Development Manager. This is a high-impact role responsible for leading end-to-end product development across new platforms, renovations and optimisation initiatives within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. You will operate at the centre of innovation; influencing pipeline direction, driving commercial outcomes and ensuring products move efficiently from idea through to scale-up and launch. The Role Reporting into senior leadership, you will: Lead full lifecycle NPD from concept, formulation and benchtop development through to factory trials, scale-up and commercial launchDrive innovation and renovation initiatives aligned to portfolio and commercial strategyManage multiple concurrent projects, ensuring delivery to scope, timeline and budgetLead cross-functional collaboration across Operations, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain, Marketing and Commercial teamsOversee process validation, sensory evaluation and shelf-life programsEnsure compliance with food safety, labelling and regulatory standardsIdentify opportunities for optimisation, cost improvement and process enhancementMentor and support technical team membersThis role requires both strategic thinking and hands-on technical capability, balancing innovation ambition with operational feasibility. About You We are seeking a technically strong and commercially aware NPD professional who brings: 4–8+ years’ experience in food NPD / R&D within FMCG manufacturingProven experience delivering products from concept to commercialisationStrong knowledge of Stage-Gate or structured development processesExperience running factory trials and supporting production readinessSolid understanding of HACCP, food regulation and labelling requirementsConfident stakeholder management and influencing capabilityA proactive, accountable leadership styleExperience within chilled, fresh or high-care manufacturing environments will be highly regarded. Why This Role?Visible influence across innovation pipeline and portfolio directionWork closely with manufacturing in a modern on-site facilityGenuine ownership of projects from idea to shelfSupportive and collaborative cross-functional cultureCompetitive salary aligned to capability and experienceIf you are looking for a role where you can drive innovation, build strong technical foundations and deliver commercially successful food products we would love to hear from you. Should this opportunity be of interest to you click on the APPLY button above or contact Hannah Bulmer at Blackbook Executive on (03) 9823 7408 if you would like to discuss further. #SCR-hannah-bulmer