NPD ManagerLocation: Watford (2 Days) & London (1 Day) – HybridContract: Full-Time | PermanentBring your passion for sweet treats and innovation to the brand that’s built on joy. At Krispy Kreme, we’re on a mission to be the most loved sweet treat brand and our iconic, melt in the mouth doughnuts are at the heart of that.We’re looking for a bold, creative, and commercially savvy NPD Manager to lead the future of our food and drink innovation. This is a hands on, high impact role where you’ll shape our product calendar, influence strategy, and bring irresistible new ideas to life from trend to tray.Why this role?This is a rare chance to combine autonomy, creativity, and commercial impact in a business that thrives on doing things differently. At Krispy Kreme you’ll:Lead innovation without the red tape if it’s a good idea, we’ll back you.Collaborate with global food manufacturers and suppliers.Shape a brand new team and development kitchen at the heart of our Watford Manufacturing site.Work across accelerator brands and big launches, where pace and creativity go hand in hand.Deliver projects with agility from 6 month concept-to-launch cycles to 2 month accelerators.The OpportunityAs NPD Manager, you’ll:Take ownership of our innovation calendar, leading everything from core range improvements to bold new campaigns and seasonal LTOs.Lead key projects including sugar reduction / HFSS reformulation and our 2026 innovation workshop with senior leadership.Balance creativity with commercial rigour, making sure every product excites customers, delivers on brand, and works operationally.Be hands-on in our development kitchen, recipe testing, experimenting, and presenting gold standard prototypes.Partner closely with Brand, Ops, Supply Chain, Technical, and Commercial, ensuring every concept is feasible, food safe, and scalable.Build and develop your own team, mentoring a Product Developer while setting up processes for long term success.What we’re looking forWe’re looking for a resilient, influential leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and loves rolling up their sleeves as much as setting strategy. Someone who brings energy, passion, and gravitas to the table, and can influencer internal and external stakeholders while inspiring collaboration.7+ years’ NPD / culinary development experience (bakery, sweet treats, QSR, FMCG or similar)Track record of taking products from concept through to commercial launchCulinary/food science background (degree or hands-on expertise)Strong project management skills, comfortable balancing creativity with commercial and technical detailExperience coaching or leading junior talentA true foodie, curious about trends, flavours and formats from coffee culture to dessertsWe’d particularly love to hear from people with backgrounds in Bakery brands, QSR, Coffee Chains or Sweet Treat FMCG innovators.What we offerCompetitive salary + 10% bonus25 days’ holiday + bank hols (option to buy 5 more) + Sabbatical optionsHybrid working (3 office / 2 home)Bupa private healthcare + wellbeing supportDiscounts & vouchers for everyday spending, travel, shopping and more5% pension contribution (3% employer match)50% off doughnuts & 30% off drinks in-storeReady to create joy?This is your chance to take your NPD expertise into a brand that’s iconic, fast moving and fearless with innovation. You’ll shape the future of our doughnut and beverage experiences and bring moments of joy to millions. Apply now and help us keep our customers wondering what’s next!
Job Title
NPD Manager