Product Development Manager

Avoca operates in 13 locations across the country. After all this time, the ethos of Avoca remains the same. We cherish our time-honoured traditions, which have been lovingly passed down through several generations. Our skills might be steeped in a long and rich tradition, but our attitude is to look to the future. We are now heralded as one of Ireland's most exciting retail stores, with a host of award-winning cafes, restaurants and food markets crammed with artisanal ingredients from near and far.

We are seeking an experienced New Product Development Manager to join the team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role combines end-to-end NPD project management with technical and packaging oversight, supporting the delivery of targeted product development projects. This is a commercially driven, delivery-focused role suited to someone who can operate independently, manage complexity and drive projects from concept through to successful retail launch within a fast-paced environment.

This is an exciting opportunity to deliver strategically important development projects within a growing and ambitious business passionate about food and innovation. You will play a key role in delivering innovative, commercially successful products while collaborating cross-functionally across the business.

You will take ownership of several concurrent NPD projects, managing the full product development process from initial opportunity assessment through to launch. Working closely with buying, technical, design and suppliers, you will ensure projects are commercially viable, technically sound and delivered on time.

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• Deliver multiple targeted NPD projects to agreed timelines and KPIs
  
• Assess opportunity size and define required product ranges aligned to commercial objectives
  
• Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and monitor food trends to inform product development strategy
  
• Lead product development projects from concept through feasibility to commercial launch
  
• Identify, evaluate and tender suitable supplier partners. Manage the full tender process including commercials, benchmarking, tastings and approvals
  
• Build and manage detailed critical paths to ensure on-time delivery
  
• Work closely with Buyers on pricing strategy, forecasting and commercial viability
  
• Support cross-functional meetings, ensuring clear communication, ownership, and accountability
  
• Support technical to manage product specifications, technical compliance and packaging to ensure products meet quality, regulatory, food safety and brand standards.
  
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure audit readiness and compliance with retailer requirements
  
• Support sustainable packaging initiatives and compliance requirements
  
• Work with design teams and packaging suppliers to coordinate artwork approvals and packaging sign-off
  

Contribute to the development of the medium-term product innovation vision aligned to business growth objectives.

Collaborate closely with commercial teams to support store engagement and category growth.

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• Degree in Food Science or a related discipline with proven experience in food product development within FMCG or retail
  
• Passionate about food, trends, innovation, and continuous improvement
  
• Demonstrated success delivering commercially viable NPD projects in a retail-led, fast-paced environment
  
• Strong understanding of technical, food safety and regulatory requirements
  
• Experience managing supplier tenders and commercial negotiations
  
• Highly organised with strong critical path management skills
  
• Commercially driven with exposure to costings and margin management
  
• Confident communicator with ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders
  
• Pragmatic and solutions-focused
  

Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail. xcfaprz

Proficiency in MS Office and Excel.