At Grahams Bakery, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We develop award-winning bakery products for some of the UK’s leading retailers and foodservice customers, delivering exciting new concepts from brief through to launch.
As our customer portfolio and innovation pipeline grow, we are looking for a commercially minded New Product Development Account Manager to help take projects from the first brief through to a successful launch.
This role combines direct customer engagement with hands‑on involvement in our development kitchen and factory. You will work closely with customers, suppliers and colleagues across the business to turn promising concepts into products that can be made at scale.
The role
Reporting into the Innovation – NPD function, you will take ownership of customer development projects and act as a key link between customers and our internal teams.
Key responsibilities
- Manage retailer and customer development projects from brief through to launch.
- Build strong relationships with existing customers and identify future opportunities.
- Translate customer briefs into clear development plans and project timelines.
- Coordinate NPD, Technical, Commercial, Procurement and Operations activity.
- Work hands‑on with the development kitchen and factory teams as products move from concept to production.
- Manage sample requests, customer feedback and product revisions.
- Support product costings, commercial sign‑off and margin delivery.
- Prepare and present customer presentations, product reviews and innovation sessions.
- Monitor market trends, emerging products and competitor activity.
- Maintain accurate project documentation and customer communication throughout the development cycle.
What we are looking for
You will be organised, proactive and passionate about food innovation, with the communication skills to build customer relationships and the drive to keep several projects moving at once.
- Experience in NPD, account management, commercial, category or food product development.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of customer requirements.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with close attention to detail.
- A full driving licence and willingness to travel for customer meetings when required.
- Experience in bakery, food manufacturing or FMCG.
- Knowledge of retailer development processes and stage‑gate systems.
- Understanding of product costings, specifications and launch processes.
- Experience working with major UK retailers.
- A relevant qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Business, Marketing or a related field.
What we offer
- The chance to work with major UK and Irish retailers on varied innovation programmes.
- A key role in shaping the future product pipeline of a growing business.
- Career development opportunities and a collaborative working environment.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
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