Senior Process Development Manager – Fried

Senior Process Development Manager

Middlesbrough
 £55,000 – £60,000 DOE + Car Allowance + Bonus

About The Compleat Food Group

At The Compleat Food Group, we’re driven by a passion for creating high-quality, innovative food that people love. With an ambitious growth strategy and a strong portfolio of brands and customers, we’re continually investing in our people, products, and processes.

We’re now looking for a Senior Process Development Manager to play a key leadership role within our NPD function.

About the Role

Reporting to the Product, Process & Quality Divisional Director, you will lead the delivery of the NPD (New Product Development), EPD (Existing Product Development), and Continuous Improvement agenda across the division.

You’ll be responsible for ensuring the successful scale-up and launch of products in line with business strategy, customer expectations, and The Compleat Food Group’s Product Launch Process.

This is a senior, high-impact role with visibility across the business and significant influence on product innovation and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Delivery

• Lead and develop the Process Development team across the division 
• Deliver NPD and EPD projects from kitchen handover through to successful launch 
• Manage timelines, costs, and resources to meet business and customer expectations 
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Technical, Production, Engineering, and Planning teams 

Product & Process Development

• Lead product scale-up from kitchen to factory, ensuring quality, safety, and margin delivery 
• Oversee factory trials, ensuring clear objectives, robust data capture, and effective outcomes 
• Support feasibility, costing, and innovation pipeline development across sites 

Drive continuous improvement and process innovation initiatives 

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure all development activities meet food safety, HACCP, and technical standards 
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation across all development stages 
• Support specifications, artwork sign-off, and customer presentations 

Launch & Post-Launch

• Lead product launches, ensuring operational readiness across all departments 
• Oversee pre-production trials and validations 
• Conduct post-launch reviews and implement continuous improvements 

People Management

• Lead, coach, and develop direct reports 
• Conduct regular 1:1s and performance reviews 
• Promote a strong Food Safety & Quality culture 

Additional Responsibilities

• Manage divisional budgets and trial tracking 
• Support cross-site projects and site visits as required 
• Promote Health & Safety best practices across all activities 

About You

You’re a passionate and experienced food professional with a strong background in FMCG manufacturing and a track record of leading high-performing teams.

Experience & Qualifications

• Degree or HND in a food or manufacturing-related discipline (desirable) 
• Significant senior-level experience within food manufacturing (FMCG) 
• Proven experience managing development teams 
• Strong knowledge of HACCP and food safety standards 

Key Skills

• Strong project and stakeholder management 
• Excellent communication across all levels 
• Data analysis and problem-solving capability 
• Trial management and process optimisation 
• Commercial awareness and cost control 

Personal Attributes

• Passion for food and product quality 
• Proactive and solutions-focused 
• Flexible and adaptable 
• Strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills 

About The Compleat Food Group

At The Compleat Food Group, we’re proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, we’re on a mission to create Food to Feel Good – great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat. 

We’re home to some of the UK’s most exciting and loved food brands, including Wall’s Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio, we’re a leading supplier of delicious own-label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added-value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces and plant-based food to the UK’s major retailers, as well as across foodservice.

With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we’re united by a shared ambition to shape the future of food for the better. 

We are backed by European private equity firm PAI Partners. 

Why Join Us?

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing, and career growth:

Financial & Lifestyle Benefits

• Competitive Car Allowance
• Company Bonus Scheme recognising performance and contribution
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
• 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra
• Holiday Discounts via our online retail platform
• Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store
• Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand
• EV charging points – available at selected sites

Health & Wellbeing

• Private Medical Insurance (work level dependent)
• Group Life Assurance (work level dependent)
• 24/7 access to GroceryAid for free financial, emotional, and practical support
• Physical Wellbeing Hub – free on-demand exercise classes, gym discounts 
• Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes
• Online wellbeing support – from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
• Financial wellbeing tools – including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid

Career Growth & Development

• Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS)
• Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role
• Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations
• Company Mentoring Scheme  to add depth and really support your career journey
• Recognition through Club Compleat rewards

Community & Culture

• 2 paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes that matter to you
• Charity initiatives and fundraising events
• Team socials to connect and celebrate together
• Employee networks & support groups – including Women @ Compleat
• New baby gift for new parents