A progressive food business in Ireland seeks an experienced Head of NPD & Technical to join its leadership team. This high-impact role involves overseeing product lifecycles, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and leading a technical team. The successful candidate will have over 10 years of experience in food innovation, possess strong regulatory knowledge, and effectively communicate across functions. A discretionary bonus and pension contribution are part of the package. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of NPD & Technical - FMCG - South Dublin A progressive and expanding food business operating within the FMCG sector is seeking an experienced Head of NPD & Technical to join its leadership team. This organisation has built a strong footprint across retail channels and is entering an exciting phase of strategic growth, both domestically and internationally. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping future product direction while embedding best-in-class technical and compliance standards across the supply network. The Opportunity This is a high-impact leadership role combining strategic innovation, technical oversight, and commercial collaboration. You will take ownership of the product development agenda, ensuring a robust innovation pipeline aligned to consumer trends and retailer requirements, while safeguarding product integrity, compliance, and operational excellence across multiple manufacturing partners. The role requires someone equally comfortable in board-level strategic discussions and detailed technical governance. Core Responsibilities Set and lead the medium-term product innovation vision aligned to business growth objectives Oversee the full product lifecycle from ideation and feasibility through to commercial launch Provide technical leadership across supplier and co-manufacturing partners in Ireland, the UK and Europe Ensure all products meet regulatory, food safety, and quality standards Champion continuous improvement across quality systems and audit readiness Collaborate closely with commercial teams to support retailer engagement and category growth Drive sustainable packaging initiatives and respond proactively to evolving consumer expectations Develop and mentor a high-performing technical and NPD team Contribute to wider strategic planning as a key member of the senior leadership group Profile Sought Extensive experience (circa 10+ years) within food innovation and technical management in FMCG Demonstrated success delivering commercially viable NPD across multiple food categories Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks, retailer standards, and audit processes Experience working with third-party manufacturing partners across UK/EU markets Commercially astute with exposure to major retail customers Confident leader with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders Strong communicator with the ability to balance strategic thinking and operational detail The Package Discretionary Bonus Pension contribution On-site facilities A values-driven culture with strong growth ambitions If this role is of interest to you, please feel free to reach out to me at Dean.Kennedy@hireforce.ie. If you know of any friends or colleagues who might suit this role and would like to refer them, you will receive a €250 voucher should we successfully place them. #J-18808-Ljbffr
